WITH reference to the article "What labour has done for Blackpool" (Citizen, Feb 21), let me correct him on his Blair spin -- the £18 million sea wall defences were Tory monies in 1995/6

Mortgage rates are low due to "stealth taxes' which, incidentally, will rise this budget.

The winter fuel allowance was given due to 75p pension increase and people stupidly fell for it.

The working family tax credit is a fudge. It gives no incentive to improve well-being for fear of loss of monies. Result: poverty and drain on taxpayers.

The minimum wage is a joke and cannot be taken seriously i.e. jobs are advertised at a lower minimum rate than the original rate. Result: more benefit payments.

Increased family allowances to compensate for more single and live-in partners (not divorced people). Lower car tax, yes, but tax on petrol to help pay benefits.

The extra money for education and NHS is swallowed up by wastage and by claims -- a bottomless pit that can never be cured.

N H Farrimond, New South Promendade, South Shore, Blackpool.