SUPPORT OF AGED MOTHERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 54, 31 August 1940, Page 10

SUPPORT OF AGED MOTHERS

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Your correspondent, "One Who Likes Fair Play." in replying to ray letter under the above title, does not adopt a line of reasoning in accordance with his nom-de-plume. He writes: "I do not see why he should mind having to pay £7 a year so that his mother could receive £78." That certainly does not state the case fairly, nor does it even , state it correctly. Before the social security scheme came into operation aged widows were receiving a pension of 22s 6d a week,' and sons who implemented that were granted an income tax exemption up to £50, and paid no social security tax. Now that the social security scheme operates the pension has been increased to 30s, but against this, sons who assist their mothers are taxed Is in the £ on earnings, and, in addition, are now no longer granted the income tax exemption .of £50. In my case this means £27 a year. Had the social security sebdnie not been operating my mother would bo receiving 22s 6d a week, or £o" 10-* per annum. Now she receives .£7B per annum, an increase of £19 10s. As against this, her son pays £27 additional taxation as v. direct result of the ;>ori.')J. ireeuriiy !-.cbeme, which mesns that between us we are £7 10s worse