Population Matters
Also known as: Optimum Population Trust, Popoffsets
Population Matters* educates the public on population issues and their impact on environmental sustainability, resource use and quality of life* researches and promotes methods to determine ecologically sustainable human population levels* encourages policies, in the UK and globally, that can help achieve environmental sustainability through a stable population.
Activities & Mission
Population Matters* educates the public on population issues and their impact on environmental sustainability, resource use and quality of life* researches and promotes methods to determine ecologically sustainable human population levels* encourages policies, in the UK and globally, that can help achieve environmental sustainability through a stable population.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
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Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 13% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 234). How is this calculated?
Higher than 18% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 11% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £1,738,246 | £1,203,877 | £843,846 | £5,355,958 | £5,121,510 | 12 / 0 |
| 2024 | £3,211,312 | £1,166,794 | £915,235 | £4,821,589 | £4,821,589 | 11 / 0 |
| 2023 | £2,964,356 | £1,051,100 | £879,653 | £2,777,071 | £2,777,071 | 10 / 50 |
| 2022 | £973,981 | £987,514 | £842,904 | £863,815 | £841,286 | 8 / 50 |
| 2021 | £839,964 | £845,604 | £756,378 | £794,248 | £763,207 | 7 / 50 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Population Matters
What does Population Matters do?
Population Matters* educates the public on population issues and their impact on environmental sustainability, resource use and quality of life* researches and promotes methods to determine ecologically sustainable human population levels* encourages policies, in the UK and globally, that can help achieve environmental sustainability through a stable population.
How much income did Population Matters report in 2025?
Population Matters reported total income of £1.74m and reported expenditure of £1.20m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Population Matters?
Population Matters has a program ratio of 48.5%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 13% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 234 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Population Matters registered as a charity?
Population Matters was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 9 May 2006 as charity number 1114109. It has been registered for 20 years.
Who runs Population Matters?
Population Matters is governed by a board of 7 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Population Matters operate?
Population Matters operates across 10 areas, including Brazil, Colombia, Egypt and 7 others. The full list is shown on its profile.
Is Population Matters a registered charity?
Yes — Population Matters is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1114109.
Details
The Chandlery
50 Westminster Bridge Road
LONDON
SE1 7QY
Registry Information
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Trustees
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Optimum Population Trust
- Popoffsets
- Population Matters
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated