Pensioners top table for generosity to charities

Over-65s donate 0.49 per cent of their annual income to charity, around £103, while under-30s give 0.24 per cent or £43, according to a survey by the financial services group Foresters.

Retirees predicted they would donate £30 more next year, but younger people said they would decrease their donations by around £4.

Overall, the UK is set to increase charitable donations from an average of £69 to £78, the study of 3,300 people found.

Foresters UK membership director Stephen Dilworth said: “Our findings show that it’s not always the wealthiest parts of society that are the most generous.

“In spite of financial insecurity and the rising cost of living, the over-65s are still the most generous and charitable age group.

“Youth unemployment and increasing levels of debt are no doubt to blame for the low levels of charitable giving for the under- 30s and the predicted low levels in 2013.”

The North East and London are the most charitable regions in the UK, giving 0.38 per cent of their annual income to charity.

People living in Yorkshire and the West Midlands gave the smallest percentage of their salary, 0.26 per cent.