SIR – It seems the calls to take the bus pass, the winter fuel allowance and the free television licence from the elderly are getting louder, especially from the Liberal Democrats. This is the lot that promises all and gives nothing.

If the bus pass was taken from the elderly the health service would end up with a bill two or three times more expensive than the cost of the free bus pass with the elderly suffering many problems with loneliness and other health problems.

In addition, it’s the elderly who keep the charity shops going.

As for the winter fuel allowance, this isn’t really a perk.

It’s just that pensioners have such a lousy deal with the miserable pension and the Government knows this.

Now if the Government gave pensioners a decent living pension there would be no need to add on these bits and pieces.

JOHN SHEARON

Worcester