THE Socialist Fabian Society think-tank thinks pensioners should “share the pain” (The Press, April 22).

It disturbs them that more pensioners own their own houses than 20 years ago.

Towards a fairer society they suggest a tax on pensioners’ property value and taxing the pension lump sums.

These ‘thinkers’ should be reminded that elderly house owners have usually paid for their homes with funds of a 25 or 30-year mortgage, often struggling to pay the monthly dues. The final cost of the mortgage was usually many times the purchase value of the house.

During those years all taxes would be paid, at the same time paying National Insurance and contributions towards a private pension where possible.

It is a pity this think-tank has to scrape the bottom of it to raise money from those who attempt to plan for their future retirement.

J Beisly, Oprey Close, York.

 

•THE Fabian Society, a left-wing think-tank, believes that better-off pensioners should be stripped of taxpayer-funded benefits. Such a comment could only come from a left-wing society.

The report also states that pensioners claiming benefits are doing well and suggests that older people should down-size – something I would agree with.

But the society suggests that better-off pensioners should contribute more and receive less, which seems a bit confused.

Perhaps they want old-aged people to get by on nothing – what a typical left-wing remark. What will the members of this society say when they reach old age? I think their remarks will be totally different then.

Tom Mitchell, Mendip Close, Huntington, York.

 

• Recent proposals suggest pensioners should be taxed more, yet many pensioners already contribute to their community by helping look after children while younger family members work.

Many older members of the family also support their younger generation financially. Do we really have to rub salt in the wounds of pensioners?

Also, many organisations in this city rely on the older generation to provide voluntary work. Even many older people with disabilities and medical conditions still want to be part of the community, serving it and using what mobility they still have.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York.