“I have had a number of complaints from tenants and residents regarding the infestation of rats in their properties. Although continuing bating has been carried out rats are still invading a number of homes. They are destroying the personal effects of the residents and tenants and also chewing electric wires etc. One lady told me she was afraid to get out of bed in the night to use the bathroom in case she was attacked by one of these vermin. The rats seem to be coming up into the properties from outside drains. I have been informed that this is happening more since the water board stopped bating their drains Can the Executive Board member contact the water board and any other agency on a way forward to overcome this problem.”
Minutes:
“I have had a number of complaints from tenants and residents regarding the infestation of rats in their properties. Although continuing bating has been carried out rats are still invading a number of homes. They are destroying the personal effects of the residents and tenants and also chewing electric wires etc. One lady told me that she was afraid to get out of bed in the night to use the bathroom in case she was attached by one of these vermin. The rats seem to be coming up into the properties from outside drains. I have been informed that this is happening more since the water board stopped bating their drains. Can the Executive Board Member contact the water board any other agency on a way forward to overcome this problem.”
Response by Councillor Linda Evans, Executive Board Member for Housing:
“May I start by thanking Councillor Devichand for raising this important health and welfare issue. I would also like to clarify that this area also forms part of Councillor Jim Jones’ portfolio in his role as Executive Board Member for Public Protection. We have discussed the question and issues raised and agreed that I would present this joint response as the question was addressed to myself. However, I would like to take this opportunity to confirm that we both take the comments made in this question seriously.
Turning to the specific issues raised in the question, I would like to confirm that in the past year the Housing and Public Protection Division has received a total of 255 service requests regarding rats, of which 77 were in respect of Council owned dwellings.
Once service requests are received, and in line with our statutory duties, officers investigate the source of the infestation. They provide advice regarding pest proofing, removal of nests, baiting and removal. In extreme circumstances, our involvement may extend to commencing enforcement action. This has occurred 27 times in the past year.
Our investigations include the identification of the source of the problem. This may include drainage surveys involving specialised cameras. Should the evidence suggest the source is from drainage under the control of Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water we would share our findings with them. It would then be their responsibility to utilise the most effective solution to the problem, which may include baiting. We work closely with them an continue to monitor the situation until the issue is resolved.
Having regard to the issues raised regarding problems in your area, we can confirm that officers are available to commence their investigations upon confirmation of the properties involved. We would be happy to pass these particulars on. Officers will then be able to investigate the source of the problem and take the relevant action (in conjunction with relevant partners) to ensure eradication of the problem.
Both Councillor Jones and I thank you again for raising your concerns and we confirm that we will write to Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water and other relevant agencies to enquire what policies they are currently following in relation to baiting. We will make the response available to all members.”
Councillor Devichand asked the following supplementary question:
‘Will the Council consider bringing back the Pest Control Service in-house?”
Response by Councillor Jim Jones, Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection:
“I have asked the manager of the department to give me a full update and once I have the answers I will respond to my Shadow Member, Councillor Penny Edwards and yourself.”