Item 10 Appendix 1 - Block Building Insurance
West Dunbartonshire Council · 29 October 2025
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Assessment No 1339 Owner mlynn2 Resource Regeneration, Environment and Growth Service Regeneration FirstName Surname Job Title Head Officer Michelle Lynn Asset Manager Members Laurence Slavin Chief Officer Resources Peter Barry , Chief Officer Housing Michelle Lynn, Asset Manager Alan Young, Housing Asset & Investment Manager (Please note: the word 'policy' is used as shorthand for strategy policy function or financial decision) Policy Title Review of Block Buildings Insurance Scheme The aim, objective, purpose and intended out come of policy The aim, objective, purpose and intended outcome of the policy: The aim of the policy is to review and manage the Council’s continued provision of the Right to Buy Block Buildings Insurance Scheme and to plan for its orderly withdrawal by 31 March 2028. The objective is to ensure that the Council meets its financial and administrative responsibilities while providing sufficient time and support for affected homeowners to make alternative insurance arrangements. The intended outcome is a planned and fair exit from the scheme, ensuring homeowners are informed, supported, and able to maintain appropriate buildings insurance through the private market, while the Council focuses on delivering its core statutory functions and achieving best value. Service/Partners/Stakeholders/service users involved in the development and/or implementation of policy. Internal officers and relevant Chief Officers. Does the proposals involve the procurement of any goods or services? No If yes please confirm that you have contacted our procurement services to discuss your requirements. No SCREENING You must indicate if there is any relevance to the four areas Duty to eliminate discrimination (E), advance equal opportunities (A) or foster good relations (F) Yes Relevance to Human Rights (HR) Yes Relevance to Health Impacts (H) Yes Relevance to Social Economic Impacts (SE) Yes Who will be affected by this policy? Current Participants in the Block Buildings Insurance Scheme Who will be/has been involved in the consultation process? Finance and Procurement Services – to review the current policy and assess financial implications. Legal Services – to ensure compliance with contractual and statutory requirements. Housing and Communities Team - in relation to implementation of the recommendations. Appendix 1
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Please outline any particular need/barriers which equality groups may have in relation to this policy list evidence you are using to support this and whether there is any negative impact on particular groups. Specific group to consider Needs Evidence Impact Age Older homeowners (many Right to Buy participants) may require extra support understanding changes, accessing information, and arranging private insurance. Demographic data shows a significant proportion of Right to Buy owners are aged 60+. Feedback from housing services suggests older owners often contact the Council for assistance with administrative or financial matters. Potential negative impact on older people if communication is not accessible or if they struggle to source affordable insurance. Mitigation: Provide clear, accessible communication (letters, large print, phone helpline, in-person advice). Allow a long lead in period before withdrawal. Disability People with physical or cognitive impairments may need accessible information and additional support to arrange insurance. Local data - around 24% of residents report a long-term health condition or disability (WDC Equality Profile). Potential negative impact. Mitigation: Offer information in accessible formats (Easy Read, Braille, large print). Provide direct assistance via Housing and Citizens Advice partners. Ensure reasonable adjustments in communication. Allow a long lead in period before withdrawal. Gender Reassign No specific needs identified related to the insurance scheme. No evidence of differential impact based on gender reassignment. Neutral impact. Standard equality considerations apply in all communication. Marriage & Civil Partnership Joint property owners may need both names on correspondence or insurance policies. Homeownership data indicates some homes are jointly owned. Low negative impact. Mitigation: Provide flexible timelines and signpost to financial advice if affordability of new insurance becomes an issue.Allow a long lead in period before withdrawal. Pregnancy & Maternity Pregnant women or new parents may experience financial pressures. Socioeconomic data suggests households with young children may face cost-of-living challenges. Low negative impact. Mitigation: Provide flexible timelines and signpost to financial advice if affordability of new insurance becomes an issue. Allow a long lead in period before withdrawal.
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Race Some homeowners may have limited English proficiency and require translated materials. WDC Census 2022: approximately 3% of residents identify as belonging to ethnic minority backgrounds. Potential negative impact. Mitigation: Provide translated letters and interpreter access for non-English speakers. Ensure plain language in all communications. Allow a long lead in period before withdrawal. Religion and Belief No direct link between religion and access to insurance, though sensitivity in communication is required. No evidence of differential impact. Neutral impact. Maintain inclusive communication standards. Sex Women, particularly older women living alone, may face barriers in navigating insurance processes or financial matters. may face barriers in navigating insurance processes or financial matters. Local data shows women are more likely to be older lone homeowners. Potential minor negative impact. Mitigation: Provide targeted support for vulnerable homeowners, e.g. drop- in advice, CAB referrals. Allow a long lead in period before withdrawal. Sexual Orientation No specific needs identified. No evidence of differential impact. Neutral impact. Ensure inclusive communication (e.g. gender-neutral language). Human Rights Homeowners have a right to clear information, fair treatment, and protection of property. ECHR Articles 8 & 1 Protocol 1 (respect for home and possessions). Positive impact if transition is managed transparently and fairly. Risk mitigated through open consultation and support. Allow a long lead in period before withdrawal. Health Poor mental or physical health may make dealing with policy changes stressful. Local health data indicates higher rates of long-term illness and mental health issues than national average. Potential negative impact. Mitigation: Clear, step-by-step communication; signposting to wellbeing and advice services. Allow a long lead in period before withdrawal. Social & Economic Impact Low-income homeowners may face affordability issues obtaining private insurance. Right to Buy owners often on fixed incomes or pensions. Local deprivation indicators show some areas of high financial vulnerability. Potential negative impact. Mitigation: Provide early notice, financial advice, and referrals to independent support (CAB, Money Advice). Explore group or brokered insurance guidance. Allow a long lead in period before withdrawal.
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Cross Cutting Multiple vulnerabilities (e.g. age + disability + low income). Digital exclusion. Data on digital access and poverty in WDC. Potential negative impact. Mitigation: Non- digital communication channels, personalised support, community engagement. Allow a long lead in period before withdrawal.
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Policy has a negative impact on an equality group,but is still to be implemented, please provide justification for this. While the withdrawal may negatively impact some groups—particularly older, disabled, and low-income homeowners—the policy will proceed as the scheme is no longer financially or operationally sustainable, nor a statutory requirement. A long lead-in period to 2028 and an exit strategy (by October 2027) will ensure affected owners receive clear communication, accessible information, and support from advice services to minimise adverse impacts. Will the impact of the policy be monitored and reported on an ongoing bases? Yes. The Housing and Finance teams will track engagement with affected homeowners, identify any emerging equality issues, and adjust support measures as needed. A final exit strategy will be presented to Council by October 2027 before the scheme ends in March 2028. Q7 What is you recommendation for this policy? Intoduce Please provide a meaningful summary of how you have reached the recommendation EIA 1139: The recommendation to withdraw from the Block Buildings Insurance Scheme has been reached following review of financial, operational, and equality impacts. While some negative effects are anticipated for older, disabled, and low-income homeowners, these can be mitigated through early communication, accessible support, and partnership working with advice agencies. The policy ensures best value for the Council while maintaining fairness and compliance with equality duties. The responsible officer has reviewed and approved this EIA prior to submission.