NIGEL BODDY (HAS, Jan 16) writes as though my public sector pension came for nothing.

When I retired many years ago, I and my employer were paying more than £2,000 per year which was invested at a profit. That money would have paid for some pretty good holidays back then. Now, because of my pension, I claim no state benefits and pay more than £25 per week tax.

I think this saves the state an awful lot of money when I see what people who never subscribed to a fund and spent their wages, claim in rent, rates and other free services.

Tom Cooper, Durham City.