Research from Halifax found more than three quarters of people are giving the same or more to charities as they did in 2008 before the economic downturn – a 23% increase over the last three years.

The number of consumers giving less to charity than before the credit crunch because they couldn’t afford to has fallen to 16% this year from 26% in 2012.

Meanwhile, the total number of Britons donating to charity in the past year has also increased, with 75% giving money in the past 12 months, compared to 70% in the 12 months previous.

While giving cash to collectors remains the most common method of donating in 2014, more than a quarter now donate by monthly direct debit or standing order.

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.”