SIR I was quite incensed to read Alec Suchi's views on free travel for OAPs (T&A, April 28).

Doesn't Mr Suchi realise by now that the Chancellor gives with one hand and takes away with the other? Yes, we've got free bus travel but he has not given the rate allowance this year in spite of the lofty increases of recent years.

I find my council tax quite punitive to pay from my pension.

All the years since New Labour came to power the Chancellor has given pension increases below the rate of inflation.

I have to supplement my pension from savings. Council tax, heating, water rates, etc, play no part in assessing pensioners' needs.

I believe the criteria should be some 22 items in our shopping bags. I would question where Gordon Brown does his shopping.

So these perks from the Chancellor such as heating allowance, last year's council tax allowance and free bus travel are very much appreciated and I wish Mr Suchi would understand that what the Chancellor gives as a perk, he then takes away as with the council tax one-off payment.

Elaine Neale, Sherborne Road, Idle.