Figures from a recently-published study by SHIP, the equity release trade body, revealed that 91 per cent of respondents intend to claim state retirement benefits.

The figure comes despite 91 per cent stating that it is their personal responsibility to provide for their later years.

Andrea Rozario, director general of SHIP, said that the figures were evidence that a number of people are living in a "retirement funding daydream".

"Unfortunately, the well is running dry. In 2030 there will be 14,678,000 over 65’s – more than ever before- and no way of supporting all of those in need," she said.

"British people and the government need to look at what is often their greatest asset – their property."

Equity release plans can provide homeowners with an additional income during their retirement with funds taken from the value of their property assets.

A recent report from Scottish Widows revealed that the number of people not saving any money at all increased from 20 per cent in 2009 to 37 per cent this year.

Consumer advice website unbiased.co.uk has revealed that 39 per cent of people using its service in February were seeking advice on retirement planning.

By way of comparison, investment and savings was the second most popular service, accounting for 28 per cent of searches.

Karen Barrett, chief executive of unbiased.co.uk, said: "As more and more reports warn us of increasing numbers of consumers putting off their retirement planning it is more important than ever to highlight the ‘cost of delay’ and the effect this will have on final pension pots.

"Consumers continue to see the value of specialist product advice when they are embarking on complex and long-term financial decisions such as pensions and investments and are searching for an IFA to guide them through their choices."

One way for people who are concerned about their future to provide for their retirement is through an equity release scheme.

Through one of these plans, people who have invested in a property could use some of the value of their asset to receive a welcome cash injection.

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service recently revealed that the number of people using online debt advice services has increased by two-thirds over the last 12 months.

Data from a study by uSwitch.com has revealed that 13 million Britons are just breaking even each month, while 5.4 million are spending more than they earn.

According to the price comparison website, 15 million people are worse off now than at this point last year.

People who have invested in property but are struggling to get by on their current income could receive a welcome cash boost through the use of a scheme like equity release.

Such policies can provide homeowners with funds taken from the value of their investment.

Ann Robinson, the website’s director of consumer policy, said: "Consumers are working hard to stay afloat but it’s a struggle. Wages are not keeping up with living expenses.

"Rather than continuing to plug the hole by borrowing, consumers need to work harder to strip down their essential bills to the bare minimum."

Figures from a recent report from savings specialist Hymans Robertson revealed that more than two-thirds of Britons are concerned that they are not saving enough money each month.

Figures from a recent report by the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) revealed that more than 150,000 people sought debt advice from the organisation’s online team in 2009.

According to the CCCS, this represented an increase of two-thirds when compared with the previous 12 months.

The organisation said its online services can provide an efficient means of finding a solution for debt problems.

Paula Searle, head of e-cervices at CCCS, said: "Unfortunately, too many people don’t seek help quickly enough as they are held back because they feel ashamed of their situation."

Another way that homeowners could ease their financial woes is by taking out an equity release plan.

These schemes can provide a welcome monetary boost for those who are willing to draw on some of the value of their property assets.

The measures are expected to allow millions of UK citizens the opportunity to save for their retirement.

Angela Eagle, minister of state for pensions and the ageing society, claimed the package was necessary as the private pensions market remained unobtainable to many workers.

"This is a fair and sensible funding package which delivers the Pensions Commission’s vision of a low cost scheme in an affordable way," she said.

"It balances the needs of members, taxpayers and the interest of the broader pensions industry. Market failure for low and moderate earners means they have not had access to a suitable low cost pension scheme and have not been able to save for their retirement. NEST will put this right."

People who have invested in property could also boost their retirement income with funds from an equity release scheme.

Such policies allow homeowners to access cash that may be tied up in their assets.

Data from a recently-published report from savings specialist Hymans Robertson has revealed that more than two-thirds of Britons are concerned that they are not saving enough for their retirement.

The study also revealed a gender divide, with more women than men fearing their pension will not provide them with a "decent income".

Chris Noon, partner at Hymans Robertson, said: "A concerted effort is required from the government, employers and the pensions industry to do more to educate low and moderate income workers on the necessity of saving for retirement and also the benefits of employer contributions."

Concerns surrounding the ability to live off a pension income could encourage a number of people to look into additional ways of generating income.

Those who have invested in property could receive a welcome financial boost by accessing some of the value of their assets through an equity release scheme.

The film, which has been unveiled by the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF), is intended to target the millions of UK workers who either have no pension savings or need to increase their contributions.

This apparent apathy could be attributed to the growing number of pension schemes that have joined the Pension Protection Fund in order to protect trustees’ money.

In turn, this could lead a number of people to seek additional ways of funding their retirement such as equity release plans, which allow homeowners to access the capital value of their property.

Commenting on the film, Joanne Segars, NAPF chief executive, said: "The Long Weekend provides a fun and fresh way for employers and trustees to explain the value of workplace saving to their employees.

"Our new film will help people catch the savings bug so that they have a better chance of a secure and enjoyable retirement."

The film, which has been unveiled by the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF), is intended to target the millions of UK workers who either have no pension savings or need to increase their contributions.

Commenting on the film, Joanne Segars, NAPF chief executive, said: "The Long Weekend provides a fun and fresh way for employers and trustees to explain the value of workplace saving to their employees.

"Our new film will help people catch the savings bug so that they have a better chance of a secure and enjoyable retirement."

This could also lead a number of people to seek additional ways of funding their retirement such as equity release plans, which allow homeowners to access the capital value of their property.

The Association of Consulting Actuaries (ACA) has launched a new manifesto ahead of the general election, which calls on the next government to implement measures to reverse the "alarming decline" in private sector pension savings.

Included in the manifesto is a call to reform annuity rules in order to create "greater flexibility".

According to the ACA, current annuity rules are "too restrictive" as they do not allow customers to alter their levels of income support.

Keith Barton, chairman of the ACA, said: "We are seeking the commitment of all the political parties to a comprehensive strategy designed to address the worrying deterioration in the position of future private sector retirees.

"Without early action, the prospect of increased poverty in retirement may come sooner than many expect."

Concerns about the "worrying deterioration" of the UK retirement income scene could lead to a rise in the popularity of schemes such as equity release.

Through one of these plans, homeowners can receive a welcome financial boost with cash taken from the value of their property.

Ahead of the forthcoming election, the PPI has published a discussion paper, which said any changes to the public sector pension market should be used to create a fairer and more transparent pension regime.

Niki Cleal, director of the PPI, said: "While there have been many proposals made for reforming public sector pension schemes, it is not always clear what policy objectives such reform proposals are attempting to address.

"The government’s aims in providing public sector pension schemes are to provide adequate pensions for public sector workers and to help recruit and retain high quality staff. But these aims have to be balanced with affordability for the taxpayer, and other broader objectives such as fairness and transparency."

Concerns around uncertainty within the public sector pension market could lead a number of trustees to seek information on schemes such as equity release.

These policies allow homeowners to access some of the cash they have tied up in their property assets.