RODNEY Best’s vociferous attack on the thorny subject of ‘means testing’, (Have Your Say, November 3) is missing the essential point.

The point is, is that sSome way has to be found to stop those receiving state benefits that don’t need them.

The “77-year old grey pounder” highlighted by a previous correspondent is an apt demonstration of where the current state largesse is totally wrong.

But of course, lLet’s us not forget that those who are in receipt of such benefits are themselves not to blame for taking them. No, we are in this ongoing scenario because numerous politicians of whatever shade have given out all manner of state financed benefits by way of a bribe to keep themselves in office.

And if you are poor or on a low income, you will vote for the political party who implements them. And of course, jJust like the the well-off “77-year old grey pounder”, he will accept any cash from the state coffers that is given him.

So far as Basic State Pension is concerned, anything that raises it will be welcomed by many.

Rich and poor alike, universal benefits have to stop.

Means testing is just one way to do it. But until politicians stop using the benefits system for their own ends, primarily to garner votes, we are stuck with a benefits system that is not fit for purpose.

Andrew Martin

Abbotsbury Road

Weymouth