I was interested in reading the piece on comfort in retirement. I would like to comment as someone who is not a home-owner, unfortunately, who has a modest pension based on 26 years in the workplace from when I returned to work once my children were comfortably at school.
When I was a young woman, where I worked you could not join a pension scheme until you were 25, and when you left that job, the contributions you paid in were repaid to you. I believe it was assumed your husband was responsible for your pension.
From the modest works pension, plus the state pension, I am responsible for the full rent on my housing association flat, council tax, utilities (gas, electric, BT telephone). When these are all added together, there is very little left for provisions, holidays, clothes, replacement of domestic appliances and the like.
I do not have a computer at home, go to the local public library, where this letter is being written. It is rare for me to have a proper holiday, I take advantage of a couple of local amenity groups days out during the summer months. Visiting family and treating children and grandchildren with presents and days out is difficult, but I try to do this as it is pleasurable.
Having a Senior Railcard helps. I do not run a car, never having learnt to drive, and frankly it is unnecessary living in central London. I could go on further, but it sounds as if I am whingeing.
This is my alternative view of the piece on p. 5 of the July Mature Times. Thank you for reading it.
Patricia Christopher (Mrs.)
