I HAD always thought that retirement was a time to sit back and take things easier. Trust Labour to shatter that illusion in one fell swoop.

There is no doubt state pensions will be squeezed hard in years to come. That's why many of us contribute to private schemes.

Having worked hard, many of us will be hit now that relief has been limited to the basic rate of tax. Our future pensions will, therefore, be reduced.

Those who took out private health insurance, thereby reducing pressure on NHS facilities, have had what little tax relief they could count on axed by this vindictive government.

There are still five more years to go of this 'Scottish' government.

B HUGHES, Cranshaw Drive, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.