The latest research from National Savings and Investments shows that a staggering 64 per cent of adults in the UK have not made a will, and that 38 million adults have made no arrangements for their retirement or provision for long-term care, although half of those who have not do claim to have given the matter thought.

The most common reason for failing to make a will is that people feel it is 'too early', with a fifth of the 45-64 age group still giving this as the reason why they have not done so.

Somewhat surprisingly, interest in planning for the future is greatest in the 25-34 age group, where 72 per cent have considered making financial provision for later life.