Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 7^th February, 2017 be received and approved as a correct record.

The Chairman introduced the item and advised the Panel that as part of the Scrutiny Workplan consultation, Members had approved Pest Control, with a particular focus on street vermin, as a topic that would benefit from scrutiny consideration. 

As part of the preparatory work, the Chairman reported that she had recently accompanied one of the Pest Control Officers for a morning visiting a number of premises in order to obtain a greater understanding of the role and the work undertaken by the team.  The Chairman commented that the experience was both helpful and enlightening and the Pest Control Officer had been extremely professional and knowledgeable in his work. 

The Scrutiny Manager informed the Panel that the topic was added to the Scrutiny Workplan to gain a more detailed understanding of the services provided by Pest Control, consideration of whether there was an increase in the reporting of street vermin and if any improvements could be made. 

At this meeting Members of the Panel were being asked to consider the information both provided in the report and presented to them.

To assist with the review, the Council’s Environmental Health Manager was in attendance and proceeded to give a presentation to the Panel in relation to the Pest Control Service.

The Environmental Health Manager informed the Panel that the Team responsible for Pest Control comprised of two Pest Control Officers and a Team Leader (Commercial).

The services provided by the Team included:-

·         Control of rats and mice

·         Control of pigeons

·         Commercial contracts

·         Treatment for cockroaches, bedbugs, squirrels, moles, wasps, ants and other insect pests

The Environmental Health Manager informed the Panel that this authority currently charges a set fee of £60 for rat or mice control (x3 visits).  However, some neighbouring authorities including Newark and Sherwood and Bassetlaw no longer provide a pest control service to residents.

The Environmental Health Manager advised the Panel that in accordance with the Prevention of Damage By Pests Act 1949, every local authority has a duty to take such steps as may be necessary to secure so far as is practicable that their District is kept free from rats and mice and in particular:-

1.    Carry out such inspections as may be necessary.

2.    Destroy rats and mice on Council land/property.

3.    Enforce these duties on owners/occupiers.

In addition, under the Act it is the duty of the occupier to notify the local authority in writing if they become aware of substantial numbers of rats and mice on their property.  Local authorities can consequently request that owners/occupiers carry out relevant treatments for rats or mice, undertake structural repairs and remove waste and harbourage.

Furthermore, in accordance with the Public Health Act 1936, local authorities can request that owners/occupiers of filthy and verminous premises destroy or remove vermin/rats or mice and thereafter cleanse the premises.  The Environmental Health Manager assured the Panel that the Council would provide help and support to residents where necessary to remove waste from their premises.

Members were also asked to note the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.