The report outlines the Council’s insurance arrangements and summarises the claims experience of both the Council and legacy authorities since 1 April 2009.  The Committee is requested to review and comment on the Council’s insurance arrangements and claims experience.

The Head of Financial Control introduced a report that outlined the Council’s insurance arrangements and summarised the claims experience of the Council and legacy authorities since April 2009. 

The Council’s experience in respect of claims since 2009 was generally good and the vast majority of claims are repudiated. The largest volume of Public Liability claims relate to the Highway’s function and a well maintained road network, appropriate inspection and repair regimes supported by good record keeping was important to be able to respond to such claims.

All the Maintained schools participate in the Council’s insurance arrangements which include various policies provided by several insurance companies alongside a self insurance reserve that meets the costs of claims below policy deductible levels. 

The Council was responsible for the administration of outstanding and new claims relating to the former Bedfordshire County Council. The costs of any legacy claims are shared with Bedford Borough Council. The Head of Financial Control indicated that whilst approximately £1m was set aside for such legacy claims over time there was a risk that this amount may prove to be insufficient. These legacy claims will continue to be closely monitored.  

Recommended that any future review of insurance arrangements should consider examples of joined up risk management practices which could reduce overall insurance costs.