UK’s most generous constituency donates nearly double the national average, new report reveals

UK’s most generous constituency donates nearly double the national average, new report reveals: Residents of Sheffield Hallam donated an average of 1.9% of their disposable income to charity in 2024, according to new data from the UK Local Giving Report 2025. This figure is significantly above the UK average of 1.1% and is one example of the regional variations in giving across the country evident in the results. The report explores how charitable behaviour and access to charitable services vary by location, providing insights into the broader landscape of local philanthropy.

 

The research was carried out by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), based on a nationally representative sample of more than 13,000 people surveyed throughout 2024. The report’s objective is to map giving patterns across UK constituencies, identify areas with fewer charitable organisations, and inform strategies to strengthen the role of local philanthropy in supporting communities.

 

Several other constituencies recorded above-average levels of giving, including Belfast South, Glasgow North, and Oxford West and Abingdon. These findings suggest that higher levels of charitable giving are not confined to any one part of the UK and may reflect a range of local factors, including levels of engagement and awareness of community needs. At the other end of the scale, some constituencies—such as Kensington and Bayswater—reported average giving levels of 0.5%, despite being among the more affluent areas of the country.

 

In addition to measuring the proportion of income donated, the report examines estimated donor rates. For example, 68% of Sheffield Hallam residents were estimated to have given to charity during 2024, compared with just 38% in Birmingham Ladywood. Lower donor rates tended to be more common in urban areas with higher levels of deprivation, suggesting that financial constraints may impact individuals’ ability to give.

 

The report also identifies areas with a relatively low number of registered charities in relation to the local population. In Tipton and Wednesbury, for instance, just 88 charities are registered to serve approximately 114,000 residents. These areas, sometimes described as “charity deserts,” may face additional challenges in delivering community support and services due to limited charitable infrastructure.

 

Neil Heslop OBE, Chief Executive of CAF, said: “Giving plays a vital role in building more resilient charities and ultimately in helping communities to thrive. As a country, we need to consider how we encourage those who can afford it, to give more—and how we can empower places to attract more philanthropic investment.”