IT would be wrong to dismiss as misguided the Conservative Party's proposals to reform our pensions regime.

What is misguided is the contention that the current system, based so heavily on means-tested benefits, is meeting the needs of our most impoverished elderly people.

There is something inherently flawed in a system which leaves millions of pounds of benefits left unclaimed.

Either through ignorance or pride many elderly are missing out on money which is rightfully theirs.

It is immoral that the state can profit from the poverty of some of the most vulnerable members of society.

While the Conservatives' call for reform may be prompted by a desire to win over the 'grey vote' ahead of the General Election, it is still worthy of serious consideration.

Anything which removes the indignity of having to apply for benefits to support the most meagre of existences should be scrutinised. And anything which encourages a fairer distribution of help and support should be enacted.

At present many pensioners have to pay taxes and then are handed back money in the form of benefits.

A more streamlined approach will ensure bureaucracy is kept to a minimum and that help goes to those in most need.

THE Government's offer to pay off student loans to attract graduates into teaching demonstrates the scale the recruitment crisis facing our schools.

It is also a tacit admission from the Government of the failure of its funding reforms in higher education.

By abolishing maintenance grants and introducing tuition fees it is providing disincentives for those considering going to university.

It is restricting access to higher education for young people from deprived backgrounds, at the same time as the Government is preaching that Oxford and Cambridge should be less elitist.

And by saddling graduates with debt the Government is providing disincentives for those who might otherwise have considered a career in teaching, forcing them to consider a career that matches their bank manager's wishes rather than their chosen vocation.