More Russell Group academics 'earning six-figure salaries' But the disclosure prompted claims that Britain's best universities were "indulging in a real boom in pay" for a small section of senior employees. The report, by the National Campaign against Fees and Cuts, which lobbies on behalf of students, said: "At most universities we've seen year-on-year increases in student fees and hall fees, combined with real terms pay cuts and attacks on pensions for lecturers and cleaners alike. At the same time, universities have massively expanded the pay and number of senior managers that they employ.... Looking at patterns across the [higher education] sector, it is entirely possible that significant proportions of the cuts could be mitigated by restraint at the top. The report analysed executive pay at 19 out of 20 Russell Group universities - focusing on staff earning six-figure salaries. It said that University College London spent the most on senior employees, with more than £50m being spent, although this included many NHS doctors. Imperial College spent £40m on high earners and Oxford invested just over £35m last year, it was revealed. The increases come despite spending cuts imposed by many universities in recent years coupled with rising tuition fees. In 2006, the cap on fees increased from £1,175 to £3,000 in most of Britain and will soar to a maximum of £9,000 next year. Michael Chessum, from the National Union of Students, who co-wrote the report, said pay rises were having a significant drain on university budgets. He told Times Higher Education magazine: "We are now seeing that the amount of money drawn by the highest-paid staff is having a real impact on university finances. This is a real issue, especially when universities are cutting [support] to students. But critics claimed the report was flawed as it failed to account for inflation. Wendy Piatt, director general of the Russell Group, said: "Our vice-chancellors and other senior staff lead complex multi-million pound organisations that succeed on a global stage. First-rate leadership and academic talent is crucial if our universities are to continue to excel in such a challenging economic climate. She added: "In view of the ongoing financial challenges that universities are facing, many vice-chancellors agreed to only very modest increases, pay freezes or even pay cuts in recent years. This year's average Russell Group VC pay increase was lower than both UK inflation and the country's average pay rise.