§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many female teachers were making a contribution of 6 per cent. to the teachers'pension scheme between 1972 and 1988; and if he will make a statement. [164465]
§ Mr. MilibandThe table shows the number of female teachers who were in pensionable employment in the Teachers'Pension Scheme (England and Wales) in each of the years between 1972 and 1988 inclusive.
Female teachers 1972 263,000 1973 290,000 1974 300,000 1975 316,000 1976 331,000 1977 331,000 1978 335,000 1979 346,000 1980 351,000 1981 351,000 1982 344,000 1983 344,000 1984 342,000 1985 343,000 1986 347,000 1987 364,000 1988 356,000 Source:
Database of Teachers' RecordsAll members of the Teachers' Pension Scheme (IPS) pay the same main scheme contribution of 6 per cent. The TPS has options for individual scheme members to pay, on a voluntary basis, a higher contribution in order to purchase additional benefits within the scheme.
1539WThe TPS is a group scheme where the cost of scheme benefits is shared between employers and employees, with the greater part being met by employers. All TPS employers pay the same contribution rate which is currently 13.5 per cent. Between 1972 and 1988, the scheme has provided automatic family benefits for married male teachers and female teachers with a financially dependent husband. In 1088, the scheme was extended to provide automatic family benefits cover for all married teachers.