However, the charity's overall income rose due to an increase in trading

Scandal-wracked Oxfam’s income from the public has fallen since the aid sector sex scandal, its annual accounts show.

It lost £3.8 million in donations from ordinary people in the 2017/18 financial year.

During that time it has been dealing with the fallout from the scandal which broke when it was revealed that Oxfam employees were found to have used prostitutes while in Haiti after the January 2010 earthquake.

The accounts say the Haiti scandal "led to a downturn in Oxfam GB’s fundraising income in the final weeks of 2017/18" and add that "the longer-term consequences for Oxfam GB’s finances will only become clear in future financial years".

However, despite this the charity’s overall income increased to £427.2m, from £408.6m in 2016/17.

This was driven by an increase in income from trading.

Its annual report also shows that after the Haiti scandal broke there was an increase in the number of reports of abuse and harassment.

In total, 155 reports – including sexual misconduct concerns – were received in 2017/18, compared with 87 in 2016/17.

In his introduction to the accounts, Oxfam chief executive Mark Goldring, who is standing down at the end of the year, said: "I am proud of the positive impact Oxfam has had on the lives of millions of people around the world.

"But the abhorrent events in Haiti were an affront to the values that Oxfam holds dear. For our failings at the time and subsequently, we are deeply sorry. Our first duty now must be to ensure that our vital work takes place in a safe and secure environment for all of those we serve."