Problem with rats?

ssparks2003

True. But equally they are all found it rats. But you asked about heath conditions related to rats, thus you recieved a list. There is no alleged carrying of disease, rats do carry disease and do spread disease.

davidmcn

Jon_01 wrote: »

Anyone know if the council have a obligation to do something about this

They have statutory duties as part of their environmental health remit, so have the power to order an occupier to remedy a nuisance on their property (if it's affecting other parties), and powers to step in and carry out necessary work themselves.

But given the current state of funding of most local authorities, they're unlikely to choose to incur costs in circumstances where the other parties seem able to sort it out themselves. Can't you afford to instruct your own contractors? Or trace the occupier of the garage yourself?

KatrinaWaves

Why do you think the council are responsible for:

1. Someone’s garage door being broken
2. Someone keeping rubbish in their garage
3. Random residents being scruffy, not recycling and dumping food waste.

Pest control for private properties is not part of the council services, not can they commit trespass to treat rats because a neighbour is unhappy. Not should they. There are enough things to spend their money on without starting on domestic disputes.

If there is a probable environmental health issue they may act, but it sounds like it would be more to do with dealing with the scruffy residents than rats ‘going in and out’ rats are everywhere. Rats in a garage won’t hurt you. If you’re that bothered go force the garage door shut.

Undervalued

KatrinaWaves wrote: »

Why do you think the council are responsible for:

1. Someone’s garage door being broken
2. Someone keeping rubbish in their garage
3. Random residents being scruffy, not recycling and dumping food waste.

Pest control for private properties is not part of the council services, not can they commit trespass to treat rats because a neighbour is unhappy. Not should they. There are enough things to spend their money on without starting on domestic disputes.

If there is a probable environmental health issue they may act, but it sounds like it would be more to do with dealing with the scruffy residents than rats ‘going in and out’ rats are everywhere. Rats in a garage won’t hurt you. If you’re that bothered go force the garage door shut.

That varies from area to area. In the town where I live the City Council will still deal with rats, mice and cockroaches free of charge. They no longer do wasps nests at all, although until fairly recently they would deal with them for a fee.

They have statutory duties as part of their environmental health remit, so have the power to order an occupier to remedy a nuisance on their property (if it's affecting other parties), and powers to step in and carry out necessary work themselves.

As far as I'm aware all councils have that power although some may need more encouragement than others to actually exercise it!

KatrinaWaves

Undervalued wrote: »

That varies from area to area. In the town where I live the City Council will still deal with rats, mice and cockroaches free of charge. They no longer do wasps nests at all, although until fairly recently they would deal with them for a fee.



As far as I'm aware all councils have that power although some may need more encouragement than others to actually exercise it!

Sorry I should have stated statutory services. Councils can of course pick and choose what they provide, but they are not compelled to provide pest control for free nor, for example, garden waste or large item collection. That is why many councils charge for these services. If it was a service paid for through council tax they could of course not charge twice

lincroft1710

Up to about 5 years ago my council dealt with a rat infestation for free.

No longer! I think the charge is now about £70.