Poor risk management is causing an increase in claims against local authorities, according to HJC Consulting.

The actuarial consultancy said that local authorities would face a deluge of future claims due to a "significant" rise
in weather-related and school arson claims.

The report also warned that the effect of increasing claims, combined with less insurance cover would increase the need for accurate risk assessment by local authorities.

HJC Consulting's John Birkenhead said: "Public liability
claims have increased dramatically in the last couple of years, typically now costing local authorities over £1.5 million a year, twice the figure from just five years ago.

"Whereas in the past, the local authority's insurers will have picked up some of the total cost, it is likely that in the current insurance climate the local authority will have to face these costs alone."

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