SIR – I see Ian Duncan Smith reckons he could get by on 50-odd pounds a week.

Perhaps he could if it was just for his food. All he has to do is go to the House of Commons and have his meals, which are highly subsidised by those very people trying to get by on the same miserable amount of money.

It’s all right for a bit but when you have to pay for gas, electricity, council tax and a decent pair of shoes, it soon gets you down.

It’s really demoralising and it’s these people who need more help – not to be kicked down again and again.

JOHN SHEARON

Worcester