Extra burdens worry pensioners

The Alliance of Pensioners' Associations said yesterday it was difficult to explain to pensioners how they would have to pay at least 50c a week for the surcharge on water and electricity and an average of 23c to cover the increase in paraffin which many elderly people use for heaters.

Spokesman Alfred St John said government officials were sending unclear messages to the citizens and it seemed that the government could not decide whether things were improving or whether the economy had stopped growing. "What is sure is that with more taxes it is difficult to solve the problems which the country is facing," he said.

He welcomed the fact that the elderly would not be affected by the increase in public transport fares and the measures against tax evasion.

Mr St John said the alliance deplored the fact that despite talk about consultation, the alliance was not consulted about anything with regard to the budget.