Legacy income rose by 9.7 per cent in the 12 months to 30 June  2014 compared with the same period last year, showing the fastest quarter of growth since before the recession.

The Legacy Monitor, produced by Legacy Foresight and based on income from 67 legacy-receiving charities, has revealed that its members received a combined legacy income of £1.16bn, up on the same period last year.

It reports that this is the tenth consecutive quarter of growth, with the exception on a small downwards blip in the year to June 2013.

The growth was spread across its members, with 42 charities experiencing an increase in income while 25 saw falls. Its average cash gift values have also climbed by 8.7 per cent in the past 12 months, and now stand at £3,670.

Legacy Foresight said: “The key impetus for this higher income is the improving economy, which is boosting average legacy values, especially residuals.”

In the year to June 2014, the average residual bequest was worth £56,800; up 8.8 per cent on the previous year.

However, Legacy Foresight adds that the average values are being skewed upwards by a few “exceptionally large bequests”, and that a more typical residual legacy would be worth £20,000-£25,000, while a more typical cash gift would be £1,000-2,000.