Dumfries and Galloway Council has sourced a 'blanket' public liability insurance scheme for local Community Councils. The new public liability insurance scheme commenced on 1 May 2012 and Dumfries and Galloway Council has paid the premium for all local Community Councils that are currently established.

The  Policy Summary for 2012/13 can be downloaded [1Mb] and your cover includes public liability, libel and slander, professional indemnity, personal accident, employer's liability and Trustee indemnity.

It is for individual Community Councils to assure themselves over the level of cover that they have, and they must ensure they take out extra insurance cover for other activities not covered by the "blanket" policy such as gala days, switching on Christmas lights and grass-cutting. The advice to Community Councils is that if they have any doubt as to the appropriateness of their insurance cover, they may decide to withdraw from the 'blanket' scheme and make arrangements for their own insurance. In this case the Community Council must inform their local contact in our Council's Area office.

Community Councils may approach the current public liability insurance provider, or any other insurance provider, with regard to their other insurance requirements. Contact details for the current insurance provider are:

Liz Drysdale, Commercial Department, Keegan & Pennykid (Insurance Brokers) Ltd
Direct Dial Tel: 0131 243 9664; Direct Fax: 0131 243 9680
E-mail: ld@keegan-pennykid.com.