Why are we not surprised at the predicted figure our wonderful government will be forking out on housing benefit in 2010/11. It appears to me that the more you try to help yourself the worse off you are. You go to work every day to try to make ends meet,

Why are we not surprised at the predicted figure our wonderful government will be forking out on housing benefit in 2010/11.

It appears to me that the more you try to help yourself the worse off you are.

You go to work every day to try to make ends meet, but if you don't wish to work for whatever reason, the government will throw money at you, paying your rent, council tax, etc.

This is a kick in the teeth for Mr and Mrs Average, who are trying to do the right thing and not be spongers.

This week, the Daily Telegraph reported to its readers that a family, comprising two adults and eight children, are living rent-free in a house in West London, saving themselves �83,000 per year.

This family is only one of many. No wonder the country is going to the dogs.

And to think that pensioners like myself, who paid into the system all our lives, are on just about �5,000 per year.

What the hell is going on?

Mr L Gilhart

Meadow Way, Therfield