Most voters believe the welfare state will have shrunk or be almost wiped out within a generation, polling has found. Some 87% of adults think the system is "facing severe problems", rising to 94% among the over-55s, research commissioned by Christian think tank Theos found.

The majority, 68%, believe claimants should only benefit from state services if they have paid into the system, even if they are in real need, and the same amount said welfare should be a "safety net for only the poorest and neediest", according to the ComRes poll. But half the population believe the wealthy should be able to receive benefits if they have paid taxes.

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