Conservative candidate Harriett Baldwin today called for a fresh approach to the way we treat old people in the community. Harriett said: “Gordon Brown has betrayed old people time and again over the last 13 years. People who have saved and lived responsibly all their lives are feeling very let down by this government. He raided private pensions, doubled council tax and has done nothing to stop people having to sell their homes to pay for residential care. Today, too many pensioners are living out their days without the dignity and security they deserve. “The Conservatives are pledging to increase the value of the basic state pension for all pensioners and help to stop the spread of the means test by linking pensions to earnings. “In addition we intend to freeze council tax in partnership with local councils, make it worthwhile to save for a pension, end compulsory annuities at 75, help people protect their home rather than sell it to pay for care, make sure only millionaires pay inheritance tax and increase spending on the NHS. In addition, we will protect the Winter Fuel Credit, free bus passes and TV licences for older people.” The West Worcestershire constituency has one of the oldest populations in Britain and Harriett will today start a programme of visits to meet older voters.