I recently completed my tax return for 2016-17 and as I owe less than £3,000 HMRC is happy to let me start paying the bill on my tax code from April 2018. This generosity from the government for those of us fortunate enough to have taxable income seems in stark contrast to those being moved to universal credit (Rent arrears spiral in universal credit pilot, 24 October), where it is deemed better that vulnerable people live without any money for a few weeks because the money tree can’t afford it.
John Beer
Farnham, Surrey
• Pilgrim Tucker’s article (25 October) points out that, under universal credit, workers on low incomes will be forced to look for extra hours. Not only that, but if an unemployed person applies, their partner who has a part-time job which they love will also be forced to look for full-time work. This applies even if they have a young child. How cruel can this government get?
Diane Smethurst
Chester
• Thank you, David Hambling (Weatherwatch, 25 October), for taking me back to my Portstewart youth, the foghorn mournful, the air still and damp and full of the sea. I think I’ll move back…
Cal McCormick
London
• Angus MacIntosh singing the praises of real ale pubs in Wharfedale (Letters, 26 October) reminded me of the unmissable sign on the approach to The Bridge of Orchy Hotel on the A82, the road to Glencoe, Fort William and Skye. “Real Ale: Real Food: Real Fire: Real Bridge”.
David Johnson
Dumfries
• I am sorry to disappoint Mike Parr (Letters, 24 October) but you can buy scented candles in Larkhall, at Leak and at the ironmongers too!
Mike Harrison
Bath
• So there is a butter shortage in France (Report, 26 October). Let’s hope it doesn’t spread.
Mike Ellis
Kettering, Northamptonshire
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