Terence Reed has a beef with Southern Water for offering a nonexistent bonus of £5 per annum to those who pay by direct debit (Letters, May 7). It could be worse.

BT actually debit you £4.50 per quarter if you don't. A classic case of "you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't".

I have a relative in her 90s who would "gladly go to prison" for non-payment of the BT excess charge.

Of course, she'd just be left without a phone connection.

  • Andy Steer, Windlesham Road, Brighton