Issue - meetings

Report FSD21064

The report advised Members of the Insurance Fund position as at 31^st March 2021 and presented statistics relating to insurance claims for the last two years. In 2020/21, the total Fund value decreased from £4.396m to £4.383m.  A mid-year review of the Fund had also been carried out and at this stage, it was estimated that the final fund value as at 31^st March 2022 would increase to approximately £4.413m.  The position would continue to be monitored throughout the year. 

In response to a question from the Chairman, the Insurance and Risk Manager confirmed that the Council’s Insurance Services had moved over to LB Sutton on 1 April 2020, and since the move claims handling performance had been good.  In relation to whether there was an expectation that the balance would increase, the Insurance and Risk Manager explained that whilst there may be fewer claims, they may be of a higher value or one claim with a significant value.

In response to a question, the Insurance and Risk Manager explained that Employer’s Liability cover was in place for any personal injury claims submitted by employees but there was no cover for liability arising from Employment Tribunals or settlement costs.  The Employer’s Liability Policy simply covered personal injury to employees and did not cover staff working from home.  The Committee noted that there had been no claims for personal injury in the last year and where staff had any issues with arrangements for  working at home there was clear guidance that these should be raised with line managers in the first instance.  The Portfolio Holder for Resources, Commissioning and Contracts Management confirmed that he had spoken with the Director for Human Resources, Customer Services and Public Affairs who had provided assurances that clear policies were in place for arrangements for working at home.

In relation to the Council equipment used by staff when they were working from home, the Committee noted that in the event of a fire at an employee’s home any investigation of a claim would look at legal liability and from an insurance perspective the Council had adequate cover.  Members asked for information regarding the arrangements for PAT Testing staff laptops and it was agreed that a response from the IT Department would be sought following the meeting.

The Committee noted that there were currently risks around anything that could have been attributed to Covid, whether directly or indirectly.  Other areas of potential risk were claims associated with Highways and Trees.

In response to a question from the Chairman, the Insurance and Risk Manager confirmed that it was normal for local authorities to balance cost and risk by taking a high excess in order to reduce the premium and this level of self-insurance was reviewed at every tender.

RESOLVED: That the Portfolio Holder be recommended to note the report.