Issue - meetings

ORDERED that Executive approved the implementation of a new Residential Pest Control Service.

AGREED that Executive:

1.     Noted that the service would support the Council’s ambitions for a healthy place, safe and resilient communities and best value through preventative action, reduced health risks and improved environmental conditions; and

2.     Noted that revenue growth requirements, staffing needs, legal responsibilities and operational risks had been fully assessed as part of the proposal.

ORDERED that Executive approved the implementation of a new Residential Pest Control Service.

AGREED that Executive:

1.     Noted that the service would support the Council’s ambitions for a healthy place, safe and resilient communities and best value through preventative action, reduced health risks and improved environmental conditions; and

2.     Noted that revenue growth requirements, staffing needs, legal responsibilities and operational risks had been fully assessed as part of the proposal.

The Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability submitted a report for Executive consideration seeking approval to implement a new Residential Pest Control Service. Members were informed that the proposal aligned with the Council Plan priority of creating safe and resilient communities and would have a significant impact across all wards.

Members were advised that the purpose of the report had been to extend the Council’s existing pest control capability to domestic settings, supporting residents by responding to infestations, preventing environmental health risks and improving overall housing conditions. The Executive heard that the service would utilise Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, focusing on inspection, prevention, targeted treatment, and resident engagement to ensure effective, safe and environmentally responsible pest management.

Members noted that the service would provide free treatment for rats, mice, bedbugs and cockroaches, with other pest types treated on a chargeable basis. The service would be available to homeowners and private tenants, though not to social housing tenants, who already had pest arrangements through their landlords. It was reported that demand modelling had been benchmarked against other local authorities offering similar services.

The Executive was advised that £0.166m of permanent revenue growth had been included in the Medium‑Term Financial Plan from 2026/27 to support staffing, training, materials and equipment. Members received clarification that no capital expenditure was required. The report also highlighted potential risks associated with demand levels and operational costs at service launch.

Members acknowledged that alternative options, such as appointing an external provider or not implementing the service, had been considered. It was noted that outsourcing could limit flexibility and reduce value for money, particularly given the uncertain level of demand, while doing nothing would fail to deliver important public health and community benefits. Retaining delivery in‑house was therefore considered the most prudent option.

Members discussed the possibility of education programmes for the public to prevent food being discarded inappropriately leading to the attraction of pests. It was acknowledged that the introduction of food caddies may help with inappropriate food disposal.

OPTIONS

Members noted that the alternative options were to do nothing or to outsource delivery; however, neither was recommended, as both posed risks of reduced responsiveness, higher long‑term costs, and diminished control and oversight of a service critical to public health.

ORDERED that Executive approved the implementation of a new Residential Pest Control Service.

AGREED that Executive:

1.     Noted that the service would support the Council’s ambitions for a healthy place, safe and resilient communities and best value through preventative action, reduced health risks and improved environmental conditions; and

2.     Noted that revenue growth requirements, staffing needs, legal responsibilities and operational risks had been fully assessed as part of the proposal.