Council’s block buildings insurance scheme will end after feedback

Published 30 October 2025

Councillors have voted to end the Council's block buildings insurance scheme from next year after feedback from homeowners in the area.

Residents who purchased their home through the Right to Buy scheme have historically been part of a collective policy arranged by the Council.

Now, following feedback from residents who said they wanted the autonomy to organise their own policies, it has been agreed that the existing cover will terminate on 31 March 2026.

A report brought to a meeting of Council on Wednesday outlined the scheme, which was due to provide cover until 2028, and the potential cost of terminating early.

Anticipated costings for early exit were noted as £2.5million, but after further discussion with the insurance broker, the cost will be significantly less at £186,993.

Following discussion of this information a motion raised by Council Leader Councillor Martin Rooney proposing withdrawal from the scheme received cross-party agreement.

The motion highlighted potential associated risks but acknowledged owner occupiers' desire to obtain individual insurance policies.

Councillor Rooney said "We have listened to the concerns of homeowners who expressed worries over the rates they were paying and the fact that they did not have the autonomy to arrange their own policies.

"While there are no guarantees that homeowners will be able to access lower priced policies, it is important that we take their feedback on board which is why I asked for this to be looked into. I would like to thank the officers who have engaged with brokers to establish the position.

"This decision allows for a managed withdrawal and the Council will ensure residents are kept informed and supported."

Councillor David McBride, Depute Leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, said: "Owner occupiers were clear with us that they wanted to come out of a collective agreement and I am pleased that we were able to garner cross-party support for this approach. The power over building insurance policies will now lie with the homeowner themselves, though the Council will keep in close contact with them between now and the exit date to ensure they are fully informed about this change and what it means for them."

The current arrangement will cease on 31 March 2026 with owners requiring to organise their own policies to take effect from 1 April 2026.

The Council's Housing Services will lead the implementation of an exit strategy and ensure clear communication with affected homeowners throughout the transition so they are given adequate notice to make their own arrangements.