I BELIEVE it is the responsibility of every civilised society to care for its most vulnerable, the elderly. The Dilnot report should address this in a fair manner.

The fact that someone has worked all their adult life, providing for themselves and often a family, bought a home and put aside enough for a rainy day currently works to their disadvantage.

They often end up selling assets and homes to pay for care.

This is manifestly unfair.

The Dilnot report should get rid of this problem. The stumbling block is, of course, the cost. It is expected to cost the Treasury between £1.7bn and £2bn to implement. Then so be it.

This Government can spend billions on conflicts around the globe and it gives money hand over fist to countries which morally and financially do not deserve aid.

It contributes silly amounts to the EU and has even given money to Ireland to bail them out of their financial mismanagement.

By looking closely at the money this country wastes on overseas aid alone, this plan to offer support to the elderly could be achieved. We owe it to them to offer every available help in the autumn of their lives.

Colin T Mortimer, Pity Me.