There is an increasingly vociferous campaign for the government to reverse its decision to withdraw winter fuel payments to pensioners who are not on benefits.

It is perhaps worth remembering that the Boomer generation, of which at 75, I am a member, has been the most privileged in history. At school we all benefited from free school meals and even a glass of milk at morning break! Then when we went to university our fees were paid by the state.

Like others, in my 20s and married, I could afford a house and the interest we paid on the mortgage could be offset against income to reduce the income tax we paid.

Now in our old age many of us benefit from the generous defined-benefit pension schemes of our past employers and state pensions are protected by the Triple Lock.

Young people today have none of these advantages. Indeed, graduates are expected to start work already indebted by around £50,000. Meanwhile landlords continue to receive tax relief on their interest payments as a result of which house prices have soared because they can outbid any individual who now has to pay tax on the income necessary to pay their mortgage interest. Rents have inevitably followed making it impossible for most youngsters to save the necessary deposits. almost cannot conceive buying until they are into their 30s and 40s.

Is it not time for my generation to consider giving a little back to the those younger than ourselves still working to try and make a go of their lives? 

Mike Biden
Northbrook Close,

St Giles Hill,
Winchester 

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