Pensioners in Croydon continue to get a raw deal under Labour.

For example, means-tested benefits are on the increase, undermining the dignity and financial independence of our pensioners, while at the same time those who plan ahead are being penalised because of Gordon Brown's stealth taxes on saving.

The message is clear, pensioners in Croydon deserve better.

The monthly income that pensioners buy from a life insurance company otherwise known as annuities are forced upon pensioners at the age of 75 under Labour.

However, depending on interest rates this may not give a pensioner in Croydon an income as large as they expect or deserve.

Conservatives believe that this should be abolished and that pensioners should be free to make their own choices, concerning their own income.

Conservatives would increase pensions and reduce taxes for pensioners. We want pensioners to keep more of their own money.

We would substantially increase the tax allowances of the over 65s, taking one million pensioners taken out of the tax system altogether, many of them in Croydon. Those who would gain most are pensioners with low and modest incomes.

Theresa Villiers

Conservative MEP for Croydon and the London area.