Purpose

The report details a new set of Fees and Charges for the Public Protection Pest Control Service for the internal and domestic treatment of Rats, Mice, Bedbugs and Cockroaches, and seeks approval for their introduction from 21st November 2023.

Decision

1)To approve the new set of Fees and Charges for 2023/24 as detailed in the report.
2)To agree for the price revisions to be introduced from 21st November 2023.

Reasons for the decision

So the service can be cost neutral

Alternative options considered

Not to introduce pest control charges and to not generate any income but continue to provide a free service to members of the public. A further alternative is to stop providing a free, at the point of need, pest control service altogether, but with this option there is a risk to public health from diseases associated with untreated rodent and insect infestations. Furthermore, due to the cost of living crisis this risk is increased to those members of the community on a means tested benefit.