Agenda item

By Councillor Stephen O’Hare:

“That this Council RESOLVES

1. That there should be with immediate effect no charge to any resident for dealing with an infestation of rats in their house (residence) or garden within the area of SKDC

AND

2. That the budget and policy framework be adjusted to establish sufficient financial provision to enable this

AND

3. The portfolio-holder be urged to implement the wishes of this Council to have such a policy

AND

4. That the cost of this, in the current financial year ending 31^st March 2006 be a  charge on the financial reserves.”     

by Councillor Stephen O’Hare

DECISION:  Not to support the Motion proposed by Councillor O’Hare.

The following motion had been proposed by Councillor O’Hare:

“That this Council RESOLVES

1. That there should be with immediate effect no charge to any resident for dealing with an infestation of rats in their house (residence) or garden within the area of SKDC

AND

2. That the budget and policy framework be adjusted to establish sufficient financial provision to enable this

AND

3. The portfolio-holder be urged to implement the wishes of this Council to have such a policy

AND

4. That the cost of this, in the current financial year ending 31^st March 2006 be a charge on the financial reserves.”     

In moving the above motion Councillor O’Hare stated that this was a problem that was much worse in rural areas and he produced figures which contended that the cost of this would be 3p per fortnight per household.

Councillor Michael Taylor stated that this was a discretionary service which the Council did not have to provide at all.

In seconding the motion Councillor Mrs Jalili advised that most Councils did not charge tenants for this service.

Councillor Mike Williams supported the motion and reminded the meeting that rat urine led to Wiel’s disease which could prove fatal.

Councillor Auger as portfolio holder outlined the process that had led to the present Council policy. The 2005/6 budget had been considered by Environment and Capacity and Resources DSPs and then agreed by Full Council. Councillor O’Hare had tried to call this in but the call-in request had not been valid.

Councillors Wood, Fereshteh Hurst, Wilks and John Hurst  all spoke in favour of the motion.

Councillor Fisher reminded the meeting that if the motion was implemented there would be an increase in Council expenditure. Councillor Craft observed that that there were an abnormally large number of rats this year and that the proposal ought perhaps to be considered for one year only. Councillor Thompson agreed that there were a larger number of rats in rural areas this year, stubble burning used to kill off lots of rats but this was no longer allowed.

Refuse bags tended to attract more vermin. However Councillor Thompson did not believe that the service should be free of charge. He moved as an amendment to the motion that there should be a charge of £10 for this service, this was seconded by Councillor Craft.

Councillor Carpenter observed that cleanliness was the answer, his premises were thoroughly cleaned and baited and he did not have a rat problem. People should be more proactive.

Councillor Hewerdine asked if the Council provided any explanatory leaflets and advice. Mike Brown, Environmental Health Manager, confirmed that this was the case.

In summing up, Councillor O’Hare reminded the meeting that this motion only referred to rats, not wasps, mice etc.               

The Chief Executive advised that this motion was successful it was not capable of being implemented.  This was an executive matter that had been delegated by the Cabinet to the Portfolio Holder.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.4, a request was made and supported for a recorded vote on the amendment proposed by Councillor Thompson.

The voting on the amendment was as follows:-

The Chairman declared the amendment lost.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.4, a request was made and supported for a recorded vote on the original motion.

The voting on the original motion was as follows:-

The Chairman declared the motion lost.