WITH reference to the announcement in the Budget that those entitled to a state pension will be able to release part or whole of their lifetime contributions, this has its merits. However, there are hidden dangers.

The aged and infirm, and those living alone, could be at risk of being stripped of their financial windfall by unscrupulous confidence tricksters, including cold callers, some religious orders and even relatives. Vigilance is the keyword to avert financial disaster for all concerned.

Making a will early in life, laying out your wishes and or intentions by a qualified solicitor may avert any would-be fraudster taking advantage of ones life’s savings.

One also has to take into account that aged relatives wish to look forward to a well-earned rest and not being subject to extra pressures. We all grow old one day.

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.