Council pays out thousands in compensation claims
Path defects, water spoilage, theft and damaged underground cabling have forced Dundee City Council to pay out more than £142,000 in compensation over the last two years.
- By Graham Huband and Graeme Strachan
- Published in the Courier : 17.09.10
- Published online : 17.09.10 @ 07.50pm
Figures provided under freedom of information legislation revealed a total of 325 successful public liability insurance claims were brought against the local authority since 2008.
Among the successful claims was a £5755 payout for an escape of water in St Ninians Terrace, £4327 for a surface fault at Dura Street car park and a £2381 payment relating to a footpath fault in Ballindean Road — all of which occurred between August and October 2008.
Claims processed last year included a £1597 payment for a pavement problem in Westcroft Road, £7784 for unspecified damage at St Lukes and St Matthews primary school, £1750 for a dampness and condensation problem in St Clement Place and a further £455 for a similar issue at Ancrum Court.
Payments made this year include £80 after a theft at Menzieshill High School and £50 for accidental damage caused by workmen in Derby Street.
The highest payout of £21,524 came after an escape of water at the Lynch sports centre in South Road in April 2008 and the second largest sum was £13,665 paid out due to a footpath defect that occurred in St Vincent Street in July 2008.
The smallest recorded payout was for £3.50 to repair damage at the council's garage below City Square in May 2008.
The council operates a 'self-insurance' scheme in which it holds funds for the purpose of settling successful claims when they arise. The system has been found to be more economical than the council paying a regular premium to a third-party insurer for public liability cover.
A Dundee City Council spokesman said, "Compensation is only agreed after a full and thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding a claim. Payments are made in accordance with the council's self-insurance arrangements."
Photo courtesy of Stewart Lloyd-Jones.
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