Bridgend Council’s full monthly council meeting was held yesterday – which you can watch here.
The only question put forward to Cabinet members related to pest control – a service previously earmarked for reforms.
Cllr. Tim Thomas (Ind, Ynysawdre) said he has received a marked increase in the number of referrals relating to rats, with the overall number of requests relating to rats increasing by more than 50% since 2016-17. He asked what the possible reasons are behind this increase?
Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr. Dhanisha Patel (Lab, Ogmore Vale), told members that since the change in contractor the number of calls has actually fallen – from around 23-per-day to 14 (I don’t know if this is rats specifically or all calls).
This showed that it could be down to the operating model, with the new contractor working differently and offering a more convenient call-out system for residents. They use a “call before they arrive” system rather than a “three/four-hour window” meaning they can get through more work in a day.
Cllr. Gary Thomas (Lab, Bryncethin) asked for clarification on how much the service costs?
Cllr. Patel confirmed that the pest control service remains free, even though introducing charges was considered at one point. As a public health service, it was her belief it should be free and the case was made to protect it as a free service despite budget pressures.
Cllr. Ross Penhale-Thomas (Ind, Maesteg West) was amused by the “planted question” and wanted it to be “a little less obvious next time”.
After a quick ticking-off from the Mayor, he asked whether pest control issues were particular to the private housing sector or the social housing sector?
Cllr. Patel couldn’t give a firm answer, as some householders may be reluctant to call out pest control due to a stigma attached to it. Based on casework, social housing tenants make up the bulk of calls to the council’s service – but that could simply be down to the cost (or lack of).
