OLD soldier Thomas Bywater (LET, April 4) is suffering from that modern malady -- "being British" with complications of "done his duty for king and country."

If he had a foreign-sounding name and done nothing for this country he could pose as an asylum seeker and claim all the benefits that ensue, free housing with everything thrown in, spending money with no queuing, free cookery lessons and a load of lottery money available.

However, to honour post-war promises the government are increasing his old age pension by £2 a week -- well, almost.

Unfortunately, a caring council is demanding an extra £13 a week from him in home help charges.

He should sit in Church Street, Blackburn, and ponder how a caring council can squander millions, get are unable to look after the people they owe so much to.

A Sedgwick, Lyndhurst Avenue, Blackburn.

OLD soldier Thomas Bywater (LET, April 4) is suffering from that modern malady -- "being British" with complications of "done his duty for king and country."

If he had a foreign-sounding name and done nothing for this country he could pose as an asylum seeker and claim all the benefits that ensue, free housing with everything thrown in, spending money with no queuing, free cookery lessons and a load of lottery money available.

However, to honour post-war promises the government are increasing his old age pension by £2 a week -- well, almost.

Unfortunately, a caring council is demanding an extra £13 a week from him in home help charges.

He should sit in Church Street, Blackburn, and ponder how a caring council can squander millions, get are unable to look after the people they owe so much to.

A SEDGWICK, Lyndhurst Avenue, Blackburn.