IN response to the letter ''Bus passes are not free (Advertiser, January 19), I would like to point out that most people will reach pensionable age (including the writer) and hopefully benefit from this concession.

Does the writer realise pensioners also have to pay council tax, thus having to help pay for services not used?

I would suggest the writer try to live on an amount equal to a state pension which has to cover everything - including council tax.

For those of us who worked, took out a pension and saved a little for retirement, we also have to pay income tax on our private pension and interest on savings.

Our only perks are the winter fuel allowance and free bus passes.

Good luck to the writer in old age.

Name and address supplied