Dear Editor,

A public servant, throughout his career, has to pay income tax (PAYE). During his career sacrifices are made on his meagre earnings to purchase a home for himself and family to have a roof over his head.

The property so purchased, and in which he is actually living, is subject to property tax.

The public servant eventually retires from the public service and is paid a pension which is far less than the salary previously earned. Though his earnings have been drastically reduced the public servant still has to pay property tax for the property he purchased, where he actually lives.

Now VAT has been introduced and the pensioner who paid PAYE over his entire working career has to pay VAT, like an ordinary citizen.

If the administration is concerned about the welfare of the citizens of this country, as claimed, tell me why:-

(a) A pensioner who bought property while in service and is still living in the said property cannot be exempt from property tax, and

(b) The pension being paid cannot be increased by 16% to allow the pensioner to be able to live and cope with 16% VAT, which applies to everyone.

Yours faithfully,

B. Motayne