SIR,

My wife's mother is 88 years of age. She is disabled and needs care. My wife provides that care but works part-time as a deputy housekeeper in a care establishment.

My wife is 64 years old and needs to give up work so that she can devote more time to her mother. So she applies for Care Allowance and is refused because she receives a state pension.

Our MP says that he can't see any alternative, as the state pension is deemed a 'benefit' and you can't receive two benefits can you?

You can receive Care Allowance if you have a private pension.

He says that he doesn't think that any party, "even UKIP", would sanction a change in this situation. Do I sense a sliver of paranoia here?

How much money is this government proposing to spend on HS2 in order to get from London to Manchester 30 minutes faster while at the same time slicing through towns and villages on route? Billions.

Take care of your people, Mr Cameron, and campaign for proper welfare provision, Mr Davies.

(Name and address supplied)