Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.

The Annual Insurance Report provides a summary of insurance performance for the financial year April 2017 to March 2018 and includes comparisons with the previous five financial years in order to allow for a meaningful comparison of trends. 

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on the contents of the report.

Officer contact: John Pearsall, 0161 474 4033, john.pearsall@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the Scrutiny Committee with a summary of insurance performance for the financial year 2017-18. The report included comparisons with previous years and highlighted trends over that time to identify areas of risk and opportunities to mitigate risk.

The Cabinet Member for Reform & Governance (Councillor Elise Wilson) attended the meeting to respond to questions from Councillors.

A number of recent legal cases were highlighted.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Comment was sought on whether there was a trend behind the increase in claims related to children and family services, whether that should be of concern and whether there was scope to invest in services to reduce the risk in this area. In response it was stated that abuse claims could be very difficult and systems were in place to respond to such cases quickly. While there was a slight increase locally this was reflective of a national upward trend and many were historical cases. There was close working with children’s and adult services to ensure future risks were addressed.

·         In light of the past success of the Council in the reducing costs and improving performance associated with insurance claims, comment was sought on whether improvement was now likely to plateau. In response it was stated that an actuarial assessment would likely come to that conclusion, but that for each claim there was a learning point to improve services and reduce the likelihood of future claims.

·         Comment was sought on whether there had been any impact on claims following changes to the rules on personal injury fees. In response it was acknowledged that there had been a reduction in personal injury claims although it was anticipated that there would likely be an increase in other areas.

·         Confirmation was sought on whether fraudulent claims reported to the Police. In response it was stated that in circumstances where there was clear evidence of fraud or fraudulent intent this would be referred to the Police.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.