Top British earners need 152,865 pounds-a-year to feel wealthy

London, Dec. 11 (ANI): In order to 'feel wealthy,' British top earners need a household income of 152,865 pounds a year, a poll has found.

A study of affluent professionals in the top social groups, found that they would need more than four times the average household income to consider themselves well-off.

The YouGov survey found that 95 per cent of those questioned do not consider themselves wealthy despite separate figures from the Office of National Statistics showing Britain's top 10 per cent of earners enjoyed a household income of 92,936 pounds in 2007/08, The Telegraph reports.

The poll also found that one quarter of high earners have reined in spending because of the recession, even if they have not seen a drop in income.

Conducted among 1,130 adults, comprising the most senior managers and professionals of all backgrounds, the poll found that over half now expect to have to work past retirement age and many have cut spending on holidays, meals out and home furnishings.

The findings suggest even the most affluent Britons have suffered a "crisis of confidence", with 30 per cent taking fewer risks in all aspects of their lives.

Steve Langan, managing director of insurance firm Hiscox UK, said: "It is important those in this group keeps stock of what they do have and understand their affluence. If they don't feel well-off, it is all too easy to underestimate the value of what they do have - an interesting paradox given that many feel that they are taking less risk generally."

The area of Britain that required the lowest household income to 'feel wealthy' was south-west England, where average respondents said they would need 128,912 pounds.

The highest, despite having some of the most affordable property in Britain, was north-east England where respondent put the figure at 178,238 pounds - just ahead of London. (ANI)