Letters

The Dorchester & Sherborne offices of Central Dorset Citizens Advice are urging older people to check whether Pension Credit could boost their pension income. About two million older people could boost their income by claiming Pension Credit (PC) but have not done so, says the charity. If you know of an older family relative or friend who could be eligible, you could help them apply. For those who have reached State Pension age, PC tops up your weekly income to £182.60 if you are single, and £278.70 if you have a partner, There are some circumstances where PC can still be paid if your income is higher, or you have some savings. Eligibility for PC can be complicated; some key points are: n No National Insurance payments record is required n You can still be working and claim PC if your income is not high n Any savings over £10,000 will affect the amount of PC paid n If you receive other benefits such as PIP, Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance the weekly Guarantee Credit amount can pay more than the minimum income threshold of £182.60. n PC can be backdated three months provided entitlement conditions were met throughout that time. PC is also important as it is a passport to other benefits, including free TV licence For more information, go to citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits, where there is a calculator and information how to claim PC online or by phone. If you would like help and advice with this or another problem, call the freephone Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 88 48 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday, or check local offices’ opening times at centraldorsetca.org.uk

Letters Every little helps fund free magazine

I was moved to write in having seen your appeal for donations in a recent edition. I do not live in West Dorset but my sister does and I have been staying with her while she recuperates from a knee surgery. She had some of your magazines on her sideboard, which I picked up with interest, as she is not one to keep newspapers and the like. I read one and was overwhelmed with how full of wonderful stories it is, I cannot believe it is free! Publications like yours are performing a great service and free magazines are admirable in this world of rising costs. I cannot imagine how much publishing costs, what I can say is our little parish magazine up north costs a fortune to print and they too ask for donations along with a small charge of 70p. My sister picks her copy up from church, so these little drop-offs must add considerably to your bill. So, the reason for my letter is that I have donated, as publications such as The West Dorset Magazine give so much joy to folk. I would like to ask all businesses big and small to show their support too. Thank you Susie Elms Glossop

Reading our MPs article in the latest magazine I was struck by the irony of a Conservative MP decrying the effects of capitalism on the farming community. Big bullyboy supermarkets dictating price etc. Dreadful! It’s the system you claim to support, Mr Loder. Market forces, minimal state intervention, etc. I would have written to him direct, but he doesn’t answer constituents unless they’re Tories... Dave Edwards Bridport greatest health challenges facing society. Earlier this year the UK Government announced a ‘visionary’ 10year Plan for Dementia, aiming to increase diagnosis and support people with their health and care needs. This announcement provided hope for the 900,000 living with dementia in the UK. The Government promised to publish the plan by the end of 2022 – but we are still waiting, and my patience is wearing thin. With a change in Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, not once, not twice, but three times since July, progress on the 10Year Plan for Dementia has stalled. And now, 19 times over, the Government have responded to questioning, stating “further information will be available in due course”. While I am thrilled by the recent positive drug trial results, they give hope for the future, but for those living in the now, this lack of clear direction from the Government is costing them time and hope. Dementia is long overdue a plan, and people affected by dementia are long overdue the respect and consideration they deserve. But without delivering on their commitments, the Government are making a clear statement; dementia is not their priority. Publishing a plan to improve the lives of people affected by dementia is so important to me because I have started on this path. There are many more people on this path which steals the person from their loved ones. The Government must publish the 10-year Plan for Dementia now and help people in this area affected by dementia live more fulfilled and less fearful lives. Dementia doesn’t wait for due course – we need a #PlanD now. Kim West Dorset