North West council to appoint provider to £500k+, four-year civil litigation contract

Bolton Council is to appoint a legal services provider to a contract worth more than £500,000 for the defence of civil litigation and ad hoc legal advice.

The council said: “The Authority currently insurers its liability and motor (fleet and non-fleet) risks with Zurich Municipal (note a new contract commenced 1st April 2022) and claims arising from this contract, with incident date after and including 1st April 2022 handled by Zurich Municipal in house team.

“From time to time the claims which arise will become litigated and the services of solicitors are required to manage and provide representation in connection with the litigation. It is this legal work which is the subject of this tender.”

Bolton said it was “prepared to receive submissions for the provision of legal services, which will mainly include the defence of civil litigation and may also extend to include representation at inquests, tribunals, judicial reviews and varied legal advice.”

It added that litigation can arise from third parties and employees in relation to insurance claims and the litigation work involved will primarily involve civil claims brought against the authority for alleged:

• negligence (common law)
• breach of statutory duty
• vehicle accidents

The contract is due to start on 1 January 2023 and end on 31 December 2026.