FOR some time I have been of the opinion that, for one reason or another, various governments have given numerous concessions to people who could well do without them.

Here I am thinking of:

Winter fuel allowance - £200 per house for the over 60s

Pensioners' Christmas bonus - £10

Free bus pass to all pensioners

Free prescriptions to all over 60

Free TV licence to over 75

If these concessions were only granted to those on Pension Credit or similar benefit there would be a considerable saving

In addition certain charges could be introduced:

l Minibus taxis to hospital for outpatients could cost £2 per trip, collected by the driver

l Meals in hospital at, say, £5 per day and collected when ordering

l Doctors could charge £10 per appointment, with receptions collecting

If the patient was in receipt of certain benefits (not state pension) then on production of proof of benefit they would be exempted, just as with dental treatment.

I wonder how much this would raise. Possibly enough to employ more doctors and nurses and increase the pay of those on lower scales.

Maybe hospital staff could park for free.

The problem for any government is that these measures would generally be unpopular with the electorate.

But who is going to pay - you, me or somebody else? It has to be you and me.

Don Graham

Windermere pensioner