In response to A Bourne of Bethlehem (The Weekend Sun, March 6) reversing a law that currently allows younger spouses to 'piggyback” off their qualifying partner's pension isn't about not caring for the elderly. It's about fairness.

The pension is an age related payment, making this provision discriminatory in that it creates an exception based on relationship status not upon the 'couple in need” A Bourne alludes to.

Repealing this provision is simply about ensuring that needs are met in a way that is fair.

I find it ironic that A Bourne begrudges helping the homeless yet admits to not needing this payment.

For those who do, he fails to mention that unlike other supplementary payments the pension is unaffected by other earnings.

A break not afforded to younger people, even those with dependent children or just a few years off pension age. Not to mention that a proportion of younger spouses are capable of working.

Anna Rogers, Tauranga