Letter: The means test and the modernisation of benefits

Sir: If Polly Toynbee (18 December) does not need her state benefits, she can either not collect them, or repay them.

Any politician who is misled by her thoughts about National Insurance should beware of voters' reactions. A generation of contributors has grown old in the belief that in return for their payments there would be a state pension in the end, whether they needed it or not.

If the system is to be changed fundamentally, notice should be given now that the change will take place in 50 years' time.

Anything less would be fraud.

Yours faithfully,

TERENCE DAVIDSON

Twickenham, Middlesex

18 December