As the new Work and Pensions Secretary, I hope David Blunkett will have more sympathy for us instead of mis-qualifying those pensioners who have not bothered to make provision for retirement but who still receive income credit.

We have paid our dues for more than 40 years and expected to receive a fair and adequate pension - not to be unjustly means-tested.

Gordon Brown's £200 towards this year's council tax doesn't even cover this year's increase.

Being nearly 83, I am expected to lay down and quietly fade away. Not this kiddie.

-Ron Wood, Brighton