The High Pay Centre (HPC), a think tank that tracked the salaries of Britain's top executives including FTSE 100 bosses and campaigned against pay inequality, has announced its closure. The organisation said on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, that it faced "considerable fundraising challenges" over the past two years.
Background and Mission
Founded 15 years ago by Deborah Hargreaves, a former business journalist at the Guardian and Financial Times, the London-based think tank emerged from the High Pay Commission's report, which proposed a 12-point plan to curb excessive executive salaries. The HPC advocated for fairer pay in Britain through research and events aimed at influencing policy and public debate.
Financial Struggles
The organisation came under financial strain after long-standing donors left the sector and it failed to secure new sources of finance. "While we have worked hard to develop a more sustainable funding model, unfortunately we have not been able to secure new sources of funding to replace what has been lost," the HPC said in a statement.
Achievements and Disappointments
The HPC noted that its advocacy led to reforms such as greater transparency on executive pay, workforce pay ratios, and shareholder 'say on pay'. However, it expressed disappointment that the gap between top executive pay and British workers remains in excess of 100:1, and that successive governments and regulators have not gone further to address inequality.
Final Activities and Future
The HPC is set to close later in July but will first publish its latest analysis of CEO salaries and pay ratios in the FTSE 100, along with reflections on transforming the UK's economic model. It is also exploring whether other like-minded organisations might continue its work. "We hope to share more information before our closure," the organisation added, thanking supporters and acknowledging that many will be disappointed.
