The Officer Key Decision meeting scheduled for Monday 09 March 2026 was set to discuss the award of municipal insurance contracts. This decision was delegated to an officer and involved a tender process across nine different lots of insurance.

Municipal Insurance Cover - Award of Contracts

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the award of municipal insurance contracts. This process involved a tender that was conducted in accordance with a Cabinet approval from 23 October 2025. The tender was structured into nine distinct lots to manage risk and secure best value for the council. These lots included:

• Lot 1: General Property (including Business Interruption, Contractors' All Risks and Computer)
• Lot 2: Commercial & Industrial Properties
• Lot 3: Combined Liability (Employers' Liability, Public Liability, Occupiers' Liability, Product Liability, etc.)
• Lot 4: Motor Fleet
• Lot 5: Personal Accident and Travel
• Lot 6: Engineering Inspection
• Lot 7: Fidelity Guarantee (Crime)
• Lot 8: Pollution (Asbestos) Liability
• Lot 9: Terrorism

A total of 21 bids were received from 7 suppliers. The evaluation criteria for these bids involved a price/quality split, which was predominantly 70/30, with the exception of Combined Liability, Motor, and Terrorism lots, which had a 60/40 split. The report indicated that officers proposed awarding contracts to the most economically advantageous tender for each lot, with details contained within an exempt appendix. The recommended contracts were for a period of three years, with an option to extend for a further two years, commencing from 1 April 2026.

The report highlighted that having an effective risk transfer mechanism through insurance allows the council to allocate funds to other priorities, knowing that potential losses from catastrophic events can be covered. The procurement process also incorporated considerations for the London Living Wage, community wealth building, Modern Slavery Act obligations, and social value. Some insurance policies, such as Employers' Liability and Motor, are compulsory, while others demonstrate responsible risk management.

The procurement was conducted using the YPO Insurance Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) 1198, which is a compliant route under Regulation 34 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015¹. This system was established jointly by YPO, North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO), and Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO). The report noted that the recommended contract awards were expected to deliver a reduction in premium costs in the first year compared to previous arrangements and current budgeted resources. The decision was subject to a voluntary standstill period to finalise the process in line with procurement regulations.

The report also touched upon the legal implications, referencing the Council's general power of competence under section 1 of the Localism Act 2011² and section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972³. Furthermore, it addressed the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010⁴, requiring the council to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between those with and without protected characteristics.