THREE-quarters of young people still at home with Mum and Dad are living rent-free, according to a new survey.

Just one-quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds contribute towards household costs, while one-third pay nothing towards their food, including takeaways, says blind company Hillarys, which conducted the study.

Meanwhile, one-quarter still receive allowances from their parents while living at home.

Hillarys questioned 2,740 young men and women, firstly asking: "Do you contribute financially towards the household, by paying some form of rent or bill contribution?" Just 25 per cent of people said "yes" with the remainder saying they lived entirely rent-free.

For those who did pay rent or help towards bills, the average monthly contribution was just £65.

Hillarys also asked young people if they paid for other expenses, and the answers revealed that 54 per cent of young people do not pay for their own food or takeaways. More than one-quarter (29 per cent) said their parents paid for their car costs, such as petrol and insurance.

Nineteen per cent have their mobile phone bill paid by Mum and Dad, while 11 per cent have their health and beauty expenses funded, such as gym membership, haircuts and tanning treatments.

Commenting on the findings, Tanya Irons, of Hillarys, said: "It's interesting that so many parents allow their children to live rent-free, with many covering their personal expenses too and even giving them an allowance.

"It certainly perpetuates the perception of people living at home with their parents as being overgrown children, managing to shirk their responsibilities and prolong that trouble-free era where rent and bills don't exist.

"Other cultures often keep the kids at home for longer, often until they have families of their own and beyond, in order to share the cost and workload - but if you're just staying to enjoy the benefits rather than contribute, it may be time to cut those apron strings!"