Who will pay for our ageing population?

In 10 years' time there will be another 4,700 pensioners living in Tandridge.

This is the claim from the Government's housing department last week, who have raised concerns about the viability of supporting an ever-increasing population of over-65s.

They claim young people and families in rural communities such as Tandridge and market towns such as Reigate will be priced out, leading to a lack of key workers to support the ageing population.

However, pensioner Brian Allen, 73, of Brighton Road, Redhill, is angry about the assumption.

He said: "What are they talking about? It's as though they're saying "Why should we keep these old people alive?

"It is insulting. I've worked my whole life – I'm still working now. Why should I be made to feel guilty for not dying?

"I was trying to find work and support a family in the mid-50s, when the economy was as depressed as it is now. You just have to take it as it comes.

"I shovelled coal in Merstham for years. Back-breaking labour, but it was the only work available.

"Obviously we are going to take advantage of the better healthcare to help us live longer. The idea of a smoking ban in those days would have been ridiculous.

"Having provided for other people my whole life I feel as though I've earned my retirement. I'm not going anywhere."

As well as identifying a need for more 'pensioner-friendly homes', housing experts claim more affordable housing will also be necessary for key workers such as care assistants.

Alex Thomson, 25, of Barnetts Shaw, Oxted, has been priced out of buying a property in the town he grew up in.

He said: "These statistics are not surprising in the slightest. There are loads of old people in Oxted.

"But who can blame them for living here? I'd rather spend my final years in a town like Oxted rather than dodging the bullets in somewhere like Croydon.

"I can't afford to buy a place here yet, but I'm not going to blame pensioners for that. I would expect exactly the same privileges when I'm that age."