Lib Dems Fear Council Decision May Allow Rats To Run Free (North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats)

North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats <bedford@bedfordlibdems.org>

Lib Dems Fear Council Decision May Allow Rats To Run Free

January 10, 2006 2:22 PM

Lib Dems on the borough council are demanding a rethink over council plans to start charging for tackling rat problems in the borough.

Under the latest planned increase in fees and charges, put forward by the Mayor's Portfolio Holder for Finance, the council will charge £68:00 to treat rat infestations. Previously this service was offered free by the council, except to commercial premises. As the borough councils website states rats can be found almost anywhere. Last year 558 cases of rat infestation were reported to the council to be dealt with. Now Liberal Democrats fear the introduction of a £68:00 charge will deter people from reporting the problem allowing the situation to escalate.

Speaking ahead of the Cabinet meeting to discuss the issue along with many other elements of next years budget, Lib Dem Group Leader, Michael Headley said:

" This proposal is a backwards step which can only lead to greater problems. Rats spread disease and damage buildings. This service has been provided free in the past because of these very reasons. It's short sighted in the extreme to view this issue in purely financial terms. Introducing a charge as high as £68.00 to tackle rats in the borough is bound to lead to fewer reported cases. We will be left with a situation where more rats are running free and unchecked. We will be in danger of creating breeding grounds for the problem to escalate. We don't need people to be having to think twice about reporting a rat problem. I hope the Mayor and his Cabinet seriously consider these implications when coming to a decision on the introduction of this fee. This recommendation is just another example of the Mayor and his cabinet failing to think an idea through. We cannot allow the council's money making to come before the health and safety of people in the borough."

The Cabinet will meet tonight to discuss new fees and charges.

ENDS