Hardly an easy way of living

In response to Mrs A Stokes's letter, printed on February 15. Not all single mums have the life of Riley courtesy of the state.

I am a single mom who works. I do not get free prescriptions, free childcare, free school meals or council tax reductions (other than a single occupancy discount of 25 per cent).

My tax credit allowance is £20 a month more than the average working couple's. I have set hours at work regardless of whether it is term time or school holidays.

I have to take annual leave or rely on my family to help me look after my son during holiday times. I certainly can't afford to take him away on holiday.

Mrs Stokes should consider herself lucky. She is financially secure enough to be able to turn down job opportunities that are not flexible enough for her. I don't have a second income coming in to the house.

As far as changes by the Conservative Party to benefit working families, consider yourself lucky to be classed as a working family.

My son and I don't qualify as a family in the eyes of the Government.

Miss Rushton, Telford