§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations have been made to her Department by organisations in the voluntary sector which have had problems in obtaining employer liability insurance. [111109]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe DTI have not had representations from the voluntary sector because formal representations on this issue have been directed to the Home Office which is responsible for the voluntary sector, and to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which is leading a Government review of the employers' liability insurance system.
The DWP-led review of the employers' liability insurance system aims to assess the case for reform and, if such a case is demonstrated, to identify the objectives and options for such reform. It is due to report in Spring 2003. Further details of the review are available at http:/www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/2002/health-safety/eli-review/index.htm
The Active Community Unit in the Home Office has set up the Insurance Cover Working Group (ICWG) to look into insurance difficulties for the voluntary sector and advise on practical solutions. The ICWG has engaged consultants, Alison Millward Associates, to undertake a study into the current position regarding the provision of insurance for the voluntary and community sector, including employers' liability insurance, and to make practical recommendations that will bring relief to the problems. The report is to be delivered to the ICWG on 16 June.
Once the recommendations of these reports have been considered, decisions will be taken to implement agreed practical solutions in partnership with the voluntary and community sector, the insurance industry, local authorities and Government Departments.