IN April I received an increase in my state pension - of £2.83 per week. Should I be pleased about this?

I wrote to my MP on this subject, and had a letter back from her explaining why this magnificent offer was correct!

Yesterday on the news it was mentioned that young workers from abroad who come in to pick strawberries in Herefordshire get salaries of between £160 - £240 per week for coming to this country.

Last week, in the press, there was an article saying that staff in Cadbury's World are now going to receive another £2 per hour to keep them in line with their factory partners. This increase will give them per week an extra £70.

Last month, it was stated that our dustmen would also get another £2 per week to enable them to collect our rubbish.

Do your readers, particularly those who are retired, think it is time that we had some of the fat of the land being handed out. I am thinking how much my rates bill has just been increased.

AER Watkins

Bromsgrove