It's a sting! Pest and nest removal fees on the way to Cannock Chase

At the moment people do not have to pay for the services but Cannock Chase District Council is having to re-tender the contract.

Mitie Pest Control has carried out the work since 2014 and was set to continue until March but bosses have pulled out of the contract early.

The council is in talks with the firm to continue until December 31 but has had to make concessions in order to bring in a new firm to deliver pest control services after that.

Steve Shilvock, head of environmental health at the council, said: "The likelihood of engaging a new contractor to deliver the contract on the current basis at the same or a lower price is negligible.

"It is considered that an increase in funding to maintain the same level of service or a reduction in the range of free services on offer would be required if funding is not increased."

The council is legally bound by law to provide a rat and mice service which will continue for free under the new contractor.

But the authority has confirmed that a charge will now be made for dealing with all other types of pests mainly wasps, cockroaches, wasps and fleas.

Mr Shilvock added: "Cabinet considered a range of options at the meeting on the September 22 and resolved to have the contract tendered on the basis of providing a free service for rats and mice only. All other pest treatments were to attract a charge."

The full council has been advised by officers to rubber-stamp the move when it is discussed tomorrow.

The contract is out to tender and five bids have been made to deliver the work. The exact prices will be confirmed when a company has been chosen.

Green Party councillor Paul Woodhead said he was not against the charges providing low income families could be helped to afford them.

He said: "In principle I don't have a problem other than when you have got people who cannot afford them.

"I think there should be some kind of means-testing, so that if people are on benefits or struggling then we provide the service for them.

"Otherwise if it comes down to people paying to get a wasp nests removed or keeping their heating on it's going to create problems."

Councillor John Preece, portfolio leader for the environment, said: "Cannock Chase Council's current domestic pest control service provides free treatment of rats, mice, cockroaches, bedbugs and fleas and a charge of £48 is levied for wasp nests.

"In order to keep the pest control service within budget it is necessary to introduce charges for domestic pest control, with the exception of rats and mice. Cannock Chase residents will still receive a free service for the treatment of rats and mice on domestic premises.

"Accordingly, at the meeting of the Council on Wednesday 16th November, councillors will be recommended to agree to charges being levied for pest control, except for rats and mice.

"This free service for rats and mice is increasingly rare with most councils in the country either charging or offering no service."