IN the 21st century, the idea of anyone in this country having to choose between heating and eating is appalling.

Even more so when those people have worked hard all their lives.

Yet pensioners across the county are facing this stark choice.

While pensions are a complex issue, the basic problem is simple.

The cost of living has gone up far higher than the rate of pensioners’ income.

We have all seen the cost of food, fuel and utilities sky rocket in the last four years.

Pensioners are particularly vulnerable to these price hikes as they are on a fixed income, and often suffer from health problems that add to their financial burden.

The Government says it is doing what it can to support our country’s growing elderly population.

Perhaps if they wasted less money holding costly, and unwanted, elections politicising the police force, they could do considerably more.