Britons to keep on giving

British households are less likely to cut back on charitable donations than on other areas of spending over the next year, new research has found. A survey of 2,013 British adults reveals that drinking out is where the greatest proportion (37 per cent) plan to cut costs.

Some 36 per cent will tighten their belts when it comes to dining out and takeaways, and 32 per cent will forgo splashing out on holidays. Almost a third (31 per cent) intend to curb spending on clothes and leisure. And 26 per cent say they will reduce their donations to charity.

Paul Rees, of the Charities Aid Foundation, said: "Even in tough times, people are extremely reluctant to cut the generous support they give to [charitable] causes."

But, he pointed out, only 12 per cent of donors are likely to increase their donations in the coming year. "It's never been more important for government, businesses and individuals to back Britain's charities by giving regularly if they can, and using the Gift Aid system to make every pound count," he said.