DESPITE a 3.4-per-cent increase in 2010 to an average of £10.41 a week, parishioners' planned giving fell in 2009, owing to higher inflation - the first fall in real terms since 2000.

C of E statistics show that the total income of parishes rose to £897 million, a decline in real terms compared with 2009. Because much of this comes from regular, planned giving, this decrease was proportionally less than that experienced by many charities. Parishes reclaimed £84 million in tax through Gift Aid, and gave £49 million to charities.