Speak your mind AS WE begin another year, the prospects for 2010 are gloomy. The pundits predict serious economic problems for the country, which means that pensioners are likely to suffer even more than most members of the community. Indeed, recent figures suggest some two million pensioners are living in poverty. In April those of us who receive our pensions from Unilever UK will face what could be another bewildering situation when any increase we receive could be very different from that we receive from the State. In the 12 months to November, 2009 the annual rate of inflation according to the retail price index (RPI) was 0.3 per cent, compared with a fall of 0.8 per cent in the previous month, October 2009. This difference is important because October is the reference date for State pension increases (though in this instance the government has already promised there will be a minimum increase of 2.5 per cent). We have yet to learn what the increase in our Unilever pensions will be, if any. It will be based on the RPI figure for January, 2010 with a floor at 0% so at least it will not decrease! However, we know from your letters that although the increases are based on the retail price index at two different points during 2009/10, it is still a confusing situation for many. However, amidst all the gloom, there is one bright ray of light. This is election year. We will be able to indicate our feelings by our choice of candidate to represent our interests in the House of Commons for the next term of office. The significant thing about this occasion is that more than a third of voters in more than 350 constituencies will be over 55 years old. There is an opportunity for the ‘grey vote’ to really count. The opportunity is yours. Seize it. Ask your parliamentary candidates about their policies on issues that are of concern to yourself as a pensioner and make your selection accordingly.