BARBARA Castle recognised the problems of pensioners when, in the 1970s, she introduced the linking of pension increases to the average wage increases.
Margaret Thatcher broke that link in 1980 and I well recall at that time members of the Labour Party crying out 'Shame, shame, shame' at the Tory Government for punishing the pensioners so.
Tony Blair, 17 years later, on being elected Prime Minister, continued the Tory policy and the value of the pension still spirals downwards. This year the Chancellor gave an increase in the state pension of an all time low of 1.1 per cent.
The Government has a very short memory but pensioners do not and this could be reflected in the General Election. Where does the shame lie now, Mr Blair?
L Sweeney,
Dalmally Close, York.
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