Funding Increases to Teachers' Pensions Employer Contributions - Consultation

The paper makes clear the government's commitment to protecting state-funded schools and sets out the institutions for which it will cover the increase to employer contributions in the financial year 2019/20. 

The DfE estimates the overall increased costs to be a staggering £1.1bn in 2019/20.  This is split across four sectors with the following split:

How Are Independent Schools Affected?

Whilst the independent sector is not one which the DfE proposes to support, the consultation document should not be ignored. Responses are also sought from those unsupported sectors - independent schools and higher education establishments to enable government to gain a fuller understanding of the impact of the changes and "inform any mitigations [the government] may wish to put in place".

The impact on independent schools is specifically referred to at paragraph 4.14 of the consultation document. To date, engagement by ministers in responding to the sector's concerns has been lacklustre, to say the least. This consultation affords schools a small opportunity to make clear how the change will affect them individually.  

How Can You Take Part in the Consultation?

The consultation period is very short - responses must be submitted by 12 February 2019 on the DfE website.

The question pertinent to independent schools is:

"Questions 3: Please provide any additional evidence relating to the impact on all sectors, which you think the Department should consider considering these proposals."

Whether 'any mitigations' will be considered for the sector is perhaps hopeful, nevertheless, the opportunity to respond should not be wasted.

For information on how we can support you on teachers' pensions contributions matters, please contact Naseem Nabi on 0117 314 5630, or complete the form below.