Fifty-eight percent of adults talking part in a YouGov poll have backed a one percent rise in National Insurance tax to increase public spend on the NHS.

The survey, which collected data from more than 20,000 taxpayers in England, Scotland and Wales, showed that support for the move is above 50 percent in all areas, with the highest in the South West, lowest in London.

It also revealed that 27 percent were opposed to a tax rise while 15 percent were undecided.

In response to the question ‘Would you support increasing the basic rate of income tax from 20 percent to 21 percent and using the money raised to increase spending on the NHS?’, 48 percent said yes, 36 percent were opposed and 16 percent undecided.

“It is up to government how it raises funds for public services, but these figures clearly show not only that the public across the UK supports more resources for the NHS, but that they are willing to pay more tax to bring that about,” said Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation.

“The case for more money for both health and social care has been made and it is overwhelming. Just about everyone is calling on the Chancellor to act - from the health secretary himself, the head of NHS England and all our members who actually run the system, to the medical royal colleges, local government, as well as those representing patients, users and carers.

“Without action, our health and care system will continue to deteriorate; millions will wait, more will suffer and some will die. It is now clear that, even within government, the cries for more funding are unequivocal.”

Given the current state of NHS services and finances, the Confederation’s believes that an extra £4 billion a year will be necessary just to sustain the NHS in England for each of the next two years, as well as a £2 billion a year Transformation Fund to drive much needed reform.