Published on Friday 26 March 2021
A harmonised approach for subsidised charges for qualifying residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is to be discussed by councillors at the next cabinet meeting on 14 April.
The council provides advice and pest control treatments for residential and commercial properties for rats, wasps, fleas, mice and bedbugs. Although this service is offered across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, there are separate terms still in place from each legacy authority. Councillors are being asked to agree to the proposal of the harmonisation of BCP Council Pest Control services so that every resident and business will have the same agreement and fee subsidies.
Currently, only Poole residents in receipt of qualifying benefits are offered 100% fee subsidies, where residents of Bournemouth and Christchurch are not offered any reduction in cost. The recommendation therefore is to offer 50% subsidies to all residents in receipt of qualifying benefits to maintain subsidised pest control treatments for low income households.
Councillor May Haines, Portfolio holder for Community Safety, BCP Council said:
"We acknowledge the importance of pest control services in our area, and that it is accessible for all our residents. This proposal will benefit qualifying residents in Bournemouth and Christchurch who are currently not being offered any reduction at all."