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<p>In recognition of the cost pressure a potential increase to employer contribution
rates would bring to existing departmental budgets, the Government announced on 30
March its commitment to providing funding for employers whose employment costs are
centrally funded. Higher education (HE) providers are not covered by this commitment.
To not provide financial support is consistent with the decision to not fund a similar
Teachers' Pension Scheme cost increase in 2019.</p><p> </p><p>Nevertheless, I do recognise
that while the Office for Students’ (OfS) annual report on financial sustainability
finds that university finances generally remain in good shape, there remains a wide
spread of financial performance across the sector. The Department for Education and
HMT recognise the importance of this issue and will continue discussions about the
implications for HE providers. The Government will confirm its position on this issue
in due course.</p>
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