Did Simon Stone mean to be so patronising (Oxford Mail, April 10)? Why shouldn't the elderly be able to "go almost anywhere at our (his?) expense" when they have had a lifetime of paying taxes for the better good of them, us, whoever, whenever.

Many can't get out at all and if they can use a bus, shouldn't we be saying: "Good on you!"

I am sure not many go out at night, but their council tax contributes to street-lighting - it's swings and roundabouts. How can we claim to be a caring society with attitudes like that?

I remember a similar incident many years ago when a female colleague incessantly moaned about having to pay taxes for children's education when she did not have children herself.

I found that just as disturbing as I find Mr Stone's comment.

SHIRLEY NELDER Dene Road Headington Oxford