Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of the Council, convened a meeting of the Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Finance on Friday, 16 May 2025. The meeting addressed the upcoming expiration of the council's insurance contracts and the necessity to procure new coverage. Councillor Liz Leffman approved the commencement of the procurement process and delegated authority to the Executive Director of Resources & Section 151 Officer to approve the award of contracts following the completion of the procurement.

Tender for Insurance Coverage and Associated Service

The council's existing insurance contracts, established in 2020 with five different insurers, are set to expire on 31 August 2025. To ensure continuous coverage and meet legal obligations, the council is initiating a procurement process for new insurance contracts.

Decision: Councillor Liz Leffman approved the commencement of the procurement of insurance cover for the council and delegated authority to the Executive Director of Resources & Section 151 Officer to approve the award of contracts following completion of the procurement.

The procurement will be conducted through the YPO Dynamic Purchasing System - Insurance Placement DPS 1198, a pre-vetted system that ensures providers are suitable. AJ Gallagher, the incumbent broker, has been working with the council to shape the proposed procurement.

The insurance coverage has been divided into several lots, each representing a different area of insurance:

• Lot 1: Property: Material damage
• Lot 2: Commercial and Industrial Property
• Lot 3: Casualty (Employer Liability, Public Liability, etc.)
• Lot 4: Crime (Full Crime policy)
• Lot 5: Motor Fleet (Owned vehicles, Leased cars)
• Lot 6: Combined Engineering (Inspection & Insurance), Personal Accident, Travel, School Journeys
• Lot 7: Personal Accident & Travel, School Journeys

The council's decision to tender for a new commercial solution is driven by the unacceptability of the Do Nothing option, which would conflict with its statutory obligations. The council is seeking a three-year agreement with the option to extend for an additional two years. The current annual premium for the outgoing contract is approximately £1.3 million, including Insurance Premium Tax¹.

The report specifies the legal implications of the decision:

By law, the council is required to hold certain insurances such as Employers Liability Insurance under the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 and Motor Claims Insurance under the Road Traffic Act 1930. Both statutory and non-statutory insurances protect the council from exposure to significant financial risks.