§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make it her policy to give London weighting to teachers' salaries in Castle Point. [75469]
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§ Mr. MilibandMy right hon. Friend has asked the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) to consider the pay of London teachers, but has not specifically asked it to review the qualifying areas for the three London allowances. All schools, including those outside the existing London Allowances area, already have discretion to pay recruitment and retention allowances worth up to £5,262 per annum to target their particular recruitment and retention issues. She has also asked the STRB to consider what scope there would be over the longer term for introducing some form of local pay, which will better reflect local differences in costs and rest more responsibility for pay in the hands of Headteachers. She awaits the STRB's recommendations with interest.