The cost of dealing with rat infestations could be set to rise by 50%.

Lichfield District Council has undergone a tendering process for a new contractor to run a pest control service across Lichfield and Burntwood.

The bids for the contract will be discussed at a meeting of the local authority’s Cabinet tonight (March 8).

A preferred supplier has been identified, but residents with a rat problem would see the cost of dealing with them jump from £36 to £54.

Colin Greatorex
Cllr Colin Greatorex

A report from Cllr Colin Greatorex, Cabinet member for housing and health, said the prices locals paid for pest control had not risen since the previous contract was agreed in 2011.

“If the recommendation is approved, the most significant increase in charges is for rats,” the report said.

“The previous tender process restricted the amount which could be charged for rats, which probably resulted in service charges for other pests cross-subsidising this service.”

Figures from the council revealed that there were 199 call outs to deal with rats in 2014/15, slightly up from the 196 the previous year.

There were also 61 call outs for mice last year, up 10 from 2013/14.

Although the local authority has no statutory obligation to devlier a pest control service, a meeting of the overview and scrutiny committee recommended to continue it.

While the costs of dealing with some issues will rise, there will still be support for some residents.

“The concession for individuals in receipt of income-related benefits to have rats treated for free still exists,” Cllr Greatorex’s report added.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.