THE changing face of Britain’s village halls could mean many lack proper insurance which could force them to close.
That is the stark warning from a leading company which has urged operators of the estimated 10,000 halls across England and Wales to check their policies.
Village halls host around 90,000 events and celebrations every year and although a quarter of these were built before the First World War they remain a vital community space all year round.
However, Ansvar, the expert insurers for the charity and not-for-profit sectors, says the threat to their continued success lies in the balance as the addition of activities and changes in purpose bring new risks that may invalidate their insurance coverage.
The company is urging hall and centre committees to make sure they have adequate and updated coverage to guarantee the protection of these venues for future use.
Adam Tier, Head of Underwriting at Ansvar, said: “The transformation of village and community halls into multi-purpose hubs is a heartwarming reflection of communities adapting to changing times. However, this also calls for a reassessment of the protective measures in place.
“An increasing number of village halls are used for everything from yoga classes to covid vaccination centres, and hall committees could face various risks, from accidental damage and fire hazards to potential liability claims.
“Being under insured can have devastating consequences in the event of a large loss or significant damage to these buildings, where policyholders are forced to find the shortfall to reinstate the property. These delays in getting back up and running, or in severe cases back open at all, can leave a big hole in the local community. Therefore, it is imperative that a building’s valuation is regularly updated and contents and other items are frequently inventoried.
“We understand the immense value community halls hold and want to ensure they are protected. Without adequate coverage, these community spaces and the clubs and local businesses they support can face significant financial strain or even closure.
“Working with a specialist insurer will ensure that the essence of what makes these community spaces thrive is preserved. They will understand the unique challenges community-driven initiatives face and provide tailored coverage to address those needs, ensuring peace of mind for community organisers and members.”
