SIR - Wholesale gas and electricity costs have risen by more than 60 per cent since last February (T&A, January 5) so it was inevitable that consumers would eventually have to pay more, but I feel sure that 17.2 per cent and 12.7 per cent increases for gas and electricity respectively was not anticipated.

Some people will have to cut their usage of these utilities in order to keep their heads above water but pensioners with fixed incomes are deemed the worst off.

For the past few years this Government has supplemented their income with a winter grant, enabling them to turn up the heating without worrying about the extra cost but the double-figure increase will negate that benefit.

With annual pension increases that don't cover all-round rises and now a steep hike in energy prices it's a double whammy for the most vulnerable in their autumn years. In short, they will be back to square one.

Let us hope the Chancellor of the Exchequer takes account of their dire circumstances in his Budget.

David Rhodes, Croscombe Walk, Bradford