PENSIONER Kathleen Dodd is not expecting Mr Brown to hand her a great deal in the Budget.

But she says it would be nice not to be last on the list for a change.

"We're not getting a fair crack of the whip," said Mrs Dodd, 74, who lives on Bishop Auckland's Woodhouse Close Estate, in County Durham.

"Mr Brown is spreading the butter on the bread but he's spreading it too thinly."

Mrs Dodd lives on the basic state pension with her husband Thomas, and the couple receive a limited additional amount, £50 per week, through attendance allowance and £22 per week industrial injury allowance.

One of the things which annoys the pair is that they do not have their rent paid or receive free glasses or free dentures because they are not on income support.

"We have always paid our dues and I think it should be our turn to get free glasses and free dentures," said Mrs Dodd, a retired auxiliary nurse.

"I don't see why we should be classed as second class citizens."

The pair also worry about the spiralling crime rate and want to see more money going to the police.

Said Mrs Dodd: "About ten to 12 years ago this used to be a lovely little close. Now, the flats are all boarded up and others have no windows."