CAN anyone explain why, when married, old age pensioners, who have both worked and contributed all their lives up to retirement, are treated as couples and not individuals when increases are given to pensioners?
A winter fuel allowance of £200 is given to a couple -- £100 each -- yet single pensioners get £200. I know it is per household, but the more people living there surely means more room is needed?
Now, there is a proposed budget increase for single pensioners of £5 each, but £8 for couples -- £4 each. Why?
It is possible also that by the year 2003, a guaranteed minimum income of £92.15 for singles will be given, and £140.55 for couples -- £70.27p each.
Hardly fair again.
It seems an easy way for the Government to save money.
KATHLEEN BULCOCK (Mrs), Wilkie Avenue, Burnley.
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