SIR – I sometimes wonder why governments say one thing and do the opposite.

They go on about family life and how good it is, then destroy it when they feel like it.

I am sure they think we are a silly bunch and don’t know what is happening.

As I am in my late 50s, the VAT rise doesn’t affect me that much, as long as I reduce my spending which, of course, I have done.

With heating going up all the time, by using token meters, I can adjust when I use the heating.

Families don’t really have this option. If they have a new baby, then its all pay-out – 20 per cent VAT on furniture, buggies, etc; Heating has to be on constantly to keep the children warm; more hot water and cooking is required.

Child tax credit and family allowance changed, so how can this Government say it is family-orientated, when they have put families under this extra pressure?

Surely politicians must realise what effect their policies will have on poorer families compared to richer ones.

But they only listen to what they want to hear, closing their ears to any suffering their policies cause. How can we make this Government see sense?

Paul Greenwood, Allerton Grange Drive, Allerton, Bradford