MORE people are giving money to charity and donating higher amounts as the impact of the economic downturn lessens, according to a new study.

Research carried out by Halifax found that as disposable income had risen, the proportion of people offering financial support to good causes had also grown.

Three-quarters of adults have given money to charity in the past 12 months, compared with 70% the previous year.

A total of 76% said they were donating the same amount or more than they did before the recession in 2008 - an increase of 23% over the past three years. At the same time, only 16% said their donations had fallen.

National charities are still the most popular, with health charities the most likely to receive donations. Children's charities and animal welfare organisations are the next on the list.

Anthony Warrington, director of current accounts, Halifax, said: "Many families have seen their finances come under pressure since the economic downturn, but it's encouraging the upturn in the economy is now being mirrored in an increase in the level of charitable giving by consumers."

The findings come amid signs that the squeeze on households' budgets from living costs is starting to weaken. The Consumer Prices Index rate of inflation dipped to 1.9% in January, marking the first time in four years that inflation has fallen below the Bank of England's 2% target.

As well as consumer research, the review was also compiled from a range of statistics, including data from the Office for National Statistics, HM Revenue and Customs and the Charities Aid Foundation.