Residents in Birmingham want the council to drop the ‘rat tax’ as bin strikes worsen the rodent situation in the city
Birmingham: Local folks are really pushing the city council to get rid of the ‘rat tax’. With the ongoing bin strikes, they’re worried about more rats showing up.
This tax for rat control started last year. It used to be free, but budget cuts made the council charge for it. Now, people are feeling the pinch.
The council’s financial troubles come from a pay dispute and issues with a new IT system. It’s been a rough ride for them.
Conservative councillor Adam Higgs thinks the charge should go. He says the uncollected rubbish from the strikes could lead to more rats in the city.
Right now, getting rid of rats from homes and gardens costs £24. They’re even thinking about raising it to £26.40. But council tenants still get it for free.
When the tax was first introduced, some councillors warned it could lead to a “golden decade for rats.” That’s not a good look!
Committee chair Sam Forsyth is against the charges too. He said, “Nobody wants to see this city overrun with rats. They carry disease and scare people.”
Another councillor, Carmel Corrigan, pointed out that the waste crisis is linked to the rat problem. She’s worried about what’s happening with all the rubbish.
But council officials are defending the tax. Director Sajeela Naseer said the free service cost them about £400,000 a year.
She mentioned they were following what other councils have done. Plus, there hasn’t been an increase in rat complaints to environmental health.
To deal with the rat issue, it seems locals are taking matters into their own hands. They’re using poison from stores or online to get rid of them.
There’s talk of a consultation for a new pest control system. It looks like they’re trying to figure things out.
