THERE has been much publicity recently on the scrapping of the winter fuel allowance for a large number of our pensioners this winter. May I also add the plight of elderly people having to fork out gigantic increases in motoring insurance over the past few years.

My late father used to tell me how he received a modest no-claim discount year after year, but enough to cover the tiny increase in the following year's insurance premium.

I have been driving since 1961 without having to directly claim from my company, yet over the past three years, my premium has increased over 100 per cent; £400 or so in 2022; £700 in 2023 and this year, it is £903. I was under the impression that elderly drivers are the safest. As for myself, I only take out my little Honda for weekly shopping at the supermarket, to church twice weekly, and other local calls, all within the Skipton area.

These increases (in my insurance premium) does not make much sense. Labour government, please take note.

Rev Michael H Sabell

Skipton