It is ridiculous to suggest that Hendon's MP Andrew Dismore is blaming pension problems on the longevity of retired people (Dismore clearly blamed longevity', Letters, April 10). It is undoubtedly true that people living longer causes problems with the financing of the state retirement pension, but this is due not to those receiving the pension, but to faulty financing.

Fifty years ago I was invited to speak at an open-air meeting organised by a local pensioner group. I pointed out that retired people were approaching one-third of the population of this country, and that a way of financing increasing state pension pay outs had to be found. This was met by stony silence.

The Government's solution is for people to work, and pay National Insurance, until they are 70, but few employers are willing to consider keeping workers until this age. A number of ways should be addressed, including removing the ceiling on National Insurance payments, so that those with high incomes can pay their fair share. Also, there should be a far higher rate of income tax on very high incomes.

Ron Isaacs

Sebright Road, Barnet