§ Mr. John MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated cost of the Government's proposals for changes to early retirement provisions for teachers(a) to local education authorities in Wales and (b) in the Neath Port Talbot county borough area; and what compensation is proposed for the additional costs to local education authorities. [5769]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansUnder our proposed changes to early retirement provisions, the employers' contribution rate to the teachers' superannuation scheme will be reduced. That will release funds so that employers can pay directly for those premature retirements that they believe to be necessary. Our proposals envisage a reduction of 40 per cent. in premature retirements in schools in England and Wales over the next three years. If employers in Wales provide for this reduced level of premature retirements there will be savings. The precise level of those savings in Wales, and in individual local authority areas, will depend on decisions of employers and cannot be quantified in advance.