As new figures show that the wealthiest people give less to charity as a percentage of their income than those less well off, John Low, chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), has called for the wealthiest members of society to take a lead in increasing giving by pledging to give at least 1.5% of their income to charity.

Analysis from the soon to be published UK Giving 2011 research produced by NCVO and CAF shows that on average those earning under £32k give over 1% of their income to charity, while those on over £52k give just 0.8%.

In 2004, a three year government funded ‘Giving Campaign’ concluded that the average percentage of income that individuals give to charity should increase from 0.7% to 1.5%, with the wealthiest giving the most.

The group also recommended that by 2014 donations should have doubled in real terms. NCVO and CAF estimate that since 2004 the total amount given to charity in real terms has only increased by 15.2%.

Speaking at a House of Lords reception to mark the end of the Giving Forum, John Low, said: “We should continue to strive towards the aspirations of the Giving Campaign and call for people to give at least 1.5% of their income to charity every year, with the percentage rising for those with greater wealth.

“UK Giving research shows that richer people give a lower percentage of their income than those who earn less. On average, those earning under £32k give 1% and those on over £52k give just 0.8%.

“The Legacy 10 launch is a great start, with high profile people publicly talking about their giving. We would like to see a wide-spread Giving (while living) pledge led by those in positions of influence; with the wealthy encouraging each other in the way that Gates and Buffet and others have shown can work so well.

"We want to see Ministers loudly championing and celebrating philanthropy and sending a strong message through their own giving, where business and charity leaders follow suit and where everyone across the UK can play their part.”

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