Downton Abbey star Jim Carter is calling on British politicians to end winter fuel welfare payments to wealthy elderly residents.

The British government currently allows all pensioners a tax-free allowance of up to $450 (£300) to help them pay heating bills in the colder months, but the actor, who plays butler Carson on the hit Tv show, insists such payments should only be made to the disadvantaged.

Carter, who donates his allowance to charity, tells Britain's The Sun newspaper, "Why do I get £200 (sic) fuel allowance? It seems crazy. I'm happy to get it because I give it to charity but it needs looking at."