Reader's letter

What an excellent comment on the way City of York Council is treating the elderly and disabled by way of increased home help charges (April 11).

This demonstrates graphically the way in which the elderly of this country are being treated. Give the pensioners a 75p increase per week (maximum) and throw them a few sticky buns. Fuel allowance and free TV licences for the over 75s is not the answer, nor is it what the vast majority of pensioners want.

They want to retain their self respect, their dignity and their financial independence to pay their way by being paid a decent and respectable pension.

They are only receiving handouts because this is the cheapest option. A fuel allowance and a free TV licence does not pay this week's food, clothing and home-help bills.

I understand that there are two council by-elections coming up shortly. Perhaps voters will remember Bob Fletcher's remarks when they make their mark.

A L Rowntree,

Walmer Carr,

Wigginton,York.

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