Tidy Towns Insurance – What’s Covered?
The Tidy Town Insurance Cover Explained guide outlines who is eligible for Local Authority insurance cover, the activities that are automatically covered, and the types of work that require additional insurance. It is a useful reference for Tidy Towns and similar voluntary groups planning community improvement projects.
Who is Eligible?
Insurance cover may apply to voluntary groups that:
- Focus primarily on improving and enhancing the appearance and sustainability of their local community.
- Operate within the Local Authority area.
- Are registered members of their local Public Participation Network (PPN).
Groups do not have to be called “Tidy Towns” to qualify, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and receive approval.
Activities Covered
The insurance generally covers the day-to-day activities associated with Tidy Towns work, including:
- Committee meetings, planning and administration.
- Litter picks and community clean-up events.
- Green space maintenance and beautification projects.
- Tree and native hedgerow planting.
- Pollinator-friendly planting initiatives.
- Biodiversity projects such as bird boxes, bee hotels and nature walks.
- Waste reduction, recycling and sustainability initiatives.
- Heritage promotion and local amenity projects.
- Small fundraising and promotional events with fewer than 1,000 attendees.
- Community engagement with schools, businesses and residents.
Activities Not Covered
The guide also highlights activities that fall outside the standard insurance policy, including:
- Infrastructure development.
- Activities on water.
- Sporting or adventure activities.
- Events with more than 1,000 attendees.
- Bonfires, fireworks and pyrotechnics.
- Tree felling, chainsaw use and demolition works.
- Welding or other hot works.
- Work at heights over 5 metres or excavations deeper than 2 metres.
Important Information
If your group plans to undertake activities outside the normal scope of Tidy Towns work, you should review your insurance arrangements and consider obtaining additional cover where necessary. The guide recommends seeking independent insurance advice for any higher-risk or non-standard activities.