Most British people think winter fuel payments should be available to everyone in need, survey claims

Over a third of respondents say they wish it was easier to opt out of scheme to help others

Winter fuel payments should be made available to everyone in need regardless of their age, according to two thirds of respondents surveyed for a new poll.

In total, around 66 per cent of the 2,000 British adults surveyed said it should be expanded to support anyone who is currently living in hardship.

Over 60 per cent of existing beneficiaries who were polled, agreed and 34 per cent said they "don’t really need" the allowance.

Of these, a quarter said they did not use the funds to keep their house warm. Instead many said they use it to buy groceries and to help pay for Christmas.

The poll also found 38 per cent of those who receive the payments wish it was easier to opt out of the scheme so others in need could benefit from it.

Following the study, which was commissioned by Npower, the utilities provider invited people who received and did not feel like they needed the benefit, to donate the allowance to charity.

Spokesperson Matthew Cole said that over 116,000 people had supported the scheme since it began in 2015.

“We've ensured that some of the most vulnerable people in our country get heat, power and hot water when they have been doing without," he said.

SWNS