I WRITE concerning the Basic Old Age Pensions and refer to the European Union statement, announced from Laeken in 2001 where it was agreed that all members should endeavour to attain a level of 40 per cent of median wages as the basic pension by 2007 with a target of 60 per cent after 2007.

Our Government ignored its EU recommendation, although they uphold every other direction from Brussels.

Therefore our UK pensioners do not get the recognition of their equivalent in other EU countries.

No winter fuel allowance increases this year to offset the inflationary rise in fuel prices.

The automatic VAT increase on these high fuel charges would have gone a long way to pay for some contribution to the fuel allowance.

Gordon Brown finds £34 billion to be used for foreign visits, generous funding for MP's pensions and expenses etc. £57 million in pension and benefits to the dead through incompetence but no extra for the old age pensioners, to match the European Union recommendations.

Cheer up! If you should reach 80 years of age the government will automatically give you an increase in pension of three pence per week.

It is noted, regularly it is reported our local MP is backing this, and that scheme and supporting many others, as no work or further action is needed could we call on her to back the aforementioned European Union ruling on pensions, and ask in Parliament how it could have been over-looked.

Eric Skelding Pedmore