Subsiding rents for teachers is one suggestion a report by Merton Council has made.

On Monday, June 25, the council’s cabinet will discuss a paper about the recruitment and retention of teachers in the borough.

It states that concerns about keeping teachers have been raised by headteachers in the borough.

In the report, the chair of Merton’s overview and scrutiny commission, Cllr Peter Southgate said the ‘prohibitive cost of housing’ can’t be ignored as a reason for not being able to attract teachers.

“We take the view that home ownership is probably out of reach for anyone on a teacher’s salary, and focussed our recommendations instead on the rental market,” he said.

One recommendation in the report is to offer three to five-year tenancies for teachers through Meratun Development, Merton’s property company.

But he adds: “More controversially, we make the case for subsidising rents in Merton properties where we wish to retain excellent teachers whom we might otherwise lose.”

Other recommendations which will be considered include offering a flu vaccine to teachers as part of their contract and that schools should be encouraged to organise activities “to promote the general health and wellbeing of school staff”.

The council’s Public Health team would be able to provide advice to governing bodies if required

The cabinet meeting will take place at 7.15pm at Merton Civic Centre on Monday, June 25.