Issue - decisions

RESOLVED that: -

(a)         Pest Control services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole be harmonised; and

(b)        A fee subsidy of 50% for pest control treatments relating to rodents, fleas and bedbugs be offered to residents in receipt of qualifying benefits.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Community Safety

Reason

The removal of subsidies in Poole could result in a reduction in uptake of pest control treatments and hence might leave some residents suffering the consequences of continued infestations. A 50% fee subsidy is predicted to result in a small budget impact of £4,200 which could be funded from within the service and would enable all BCP Council residents in receipt of qualifying benefits to access significantly subsidised pest control services. A 100% subsidy would result in a budget impact of circa £23,500, which could not be funded from within the service.