Indemnity for Returning Officers at Local Elections in England
This limited indemnity is provided to Returning Officers and Counting Officers at forthcoming local government elections and referendums in England.
Applies to England
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For the purposes of local government elections and referendums throughout England, Returning Officers and Counting Officers are statutorily independent officers. They stand separate from both central and local government. They can be exposed to a variety of legal risks varying from minor claims for injury at polling stations to more significant legal costs. Existing insurance that covers Returning Officers and Counting Officers in discharging their statutory duties at local polls will not, in most cases, cover them against claims in relation to COVID-19.
The Cabinet Office will provide a specific and limited indemnity to Returning Officers and Counting Officers at forthcoming local government elections and referendums in England taking place between 6 May 2021 and 4 May 2022 (both dates inclusive). The indemnity covers, subject to exclusions, Returning Officers and Counting Officers in respect of losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and/or reasonable expenses in claims that may be made against or incurred by the Returning Officer or Counting Officer in relation to COVID-19.