WITH pensions virtually frozen and prices rising at their fastest rate since records began I now have a standard of living lower than I had during the 1939 to 1945 war.

Fifteen years of living with pensions that fall in real terms every single year leave me living in poverty which is defined as having 60 per cent of the national minimum wage.

After paying part of my rent I am left with around 30 per cent of the national minimum wage, a level which is called being destitute.

To try to avoid getting into debt with rising prices I have switched off my house lights and all heating while putting on more clothes when home as necessary when sitting in a chair.

I now drive my car as little as possible while at the same time changing into a higher gear as soon as possible.

When shopping in the supermarkets I only buy food from reduced counters when it is almost out of date.

The downside to this avoidance is that we will slide into a severe recession followed by the biggest collapse in the value of the pound the UK has seen for many years which will push up the price of all imports to the point they become even less affordable.

DOUGLAS MILLS

Fraser Road, Poole