John Low has called for the sector to keep striving for the long-defunct Giving Campaign goals of increasing donations to 1.5 per cent of individuals' income, as he revealed that higher earners are still just giving away 0.8 per cent of their income.

The Charities Aid Foundation chief executive, speaking at the House of Lords this week, said that the wealthy needs to take the lead in pledging – and donating – 1.5 per cent of their income to charity.

Low revealed some statistics from the UK Giving 2011 report, produced by CAF and NCVO and due to be released later this year, which show that those earning over £52,000 donate an average 0.8 per cent of their income compared with the 1 per cent of income donated by people earning less than £32,000 per year.

These figures lag significantly behind the Giving Campaign goal of getting everyone to give 1.5 per cent by 2014. The campaign, which began in 2004 and wound up in 2007, aimed to see donations double between 2004 and 2014. Low told the meeting at the House of Lords, to mark the end of the government advisory group the Giving Forum, that as of 2011, donations had only increased by 15.2 per cent on 2004 levels.

“We should continue to strive towards the aspirations of the Giving Campaign and call for people to give at least 1.5 per cent of their income to charity every year, with the percentage rising for those with greater wealth,” Low said.

He added that alongside the launch of the Legacy 10 project to boost legacy giving, CAF “would like to see a widespread giving (while living) pledge led by those in positions of influence”.

Politicians in particular were encouraged to take the lead. “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,” challenged Low.