Thinktanks Should Rethink Their Funding Models, Letters Say

Letters argue that thinktanks' dependence on profit-driven businesses is a weakness, suggesting state funding as an alternative. The High Pay Centre's closure also raises questions.

Capital Post 16/07/2026 18:19

Thinktanks Should Rethink Their Funding Models, Letters Say — Thinktanks Should Rethink Their Funding Models

In a letter responding to Polly Toynbee's article on the decline of centre-left thinktanks, Hylton Guthrie argues that reliance on profit-driven financial businesses like Aberdeen Group is a fundamental weakness in their funding model. He points to the tokenism of Alistair Darling's establishment of the Financial Fairness Trust from a demutualisation as an example.

Germany's State-Funded Model

Guthrie contrasts the UK with Germany, where political parties receive state funding alongside their affiliated foundations, allocated based on vote share. He suggests the UK's opaque political funding is corrupt and proposes Labour adopt a state-funded model. Criticising New Labour's short-termism, he notes they preferred dependence on financial capital over state funding.

Opportunity for Andy Burnham?

Andy McWilliam, in another letter, expresses shock at the High Pay Centre's closure and asks if Andy Burnham could take it over as a regulatory body with fiscal teeth, noting the availability of skilled staff.