I support Roy Tomlinson's call for a higher state pension (Your views, April 2). However, there is more help for pensioners this April.

The 5% increase in the pension is arriving when RPI inflation is at zero. The 5% was in effect backdated to January by the payment of £60 to every pensioner.

The income tax age allowance is also up by 5% to £9,490 at 65 and £9,640 at 75.

The Guarantee Credit makes the minimum income now £130 a week (198.45 for two). The Savings Credit is payable on incomes up to around £181 a week (£266 for two) and is worth up to £20.40 a week extra (£27.03 for two).

These measures, together with winter fuel payments, heating and insulation grants, free local bus travel etc., are combating the poverty caused by the decision to cut the link between the basic pension and earnings in 1980.

MR J BOWER Cossall Road Trowell