MANY retired people live in this beautiful part of the world and it’s not just the walks in the glorious rolling hills but also a good retirement income and strong local health service which enable people to enjoy longer lives here.

That’s why all the budgets I’ve voted for since becoming an MP have included targeted help for pensioners.

Quite rightly, pensioners don’t pay national insurance unlike those of us of working age who are now paying on average £900 less thanks to two reductions put in place by the Chancellor in the last six months.

The Triple Lock commitment that means pensions rise by the rate of inflation, September’s Consumer Price or 2.5 per cent — whichever is the higher figure — has helped pensioners with rising prices since it was first introduced in 2010.

It also means there are 200,000 fewer pensioners in poverty and the State Pension has gone up by 8.5 per cent this year. The Triple Lock means the State Pension has grown by 60 per cent between 2010 and 2024, compared to a cumulative rise of 46 per cent in prices and wages.

Combined with the new State Pension, this means pensioners are on average £1,000 per year better off after inflation than they were in 2010.

It is a commitment that the Chancellor has said will be in a future Conservative manifesto.

Pensioners also benefit from the Winter Fuel Allowance and free bus passes which are not means tested.

Much additional extra care housing has been built and I advocate for councils to do more to provide the kind of supported living that gives security and connectivity for older people.

With new additional local doctors and nurses, an NHS Workforce plan and a new Three Counties Medical School training new doctors in the heart of Worcester, the NHS and the Triple-Locked State Pension will be there to support today’s and future pensioners.

And, with warmer, drier weather on the horizon, enjoy the beautiful walks around our spectacular area which looks its absolute best at this time of year.