Legacy income rose by 3.8 per cent between 2012 and 2013 according to new figures, prompting claims that the market is back on track after taking a huge hit during the recession.

The Legacy Monitor, produced by Legacy Foresight and based on income from 67 legacy-receiving charities, found that gifts in wills amounted to £1.11bn for its members in 2013, up by 3.8 per cent on the previous year.

The trajectory of legacy income has been steadily upwards for the past two years. In seven out of the eight most recent quarters, legacy income has risen.

The value of individual residual legacies has also increased to beat the 2008 peak – average residual legacies are now worth £53,600 – however this remains lower in real terms. Cash gifts in wills, however, have been less steady. Such gifts are worth an average £3,400 but have been erratic.

Legacy Foresight said the figures “confirm our believe that legacy incomes are finally back on track”.