FREE pest control services across West Devon have been axed.

Both West Devon Borough Council and South Hams District Council agreed last week agreed to axe the automatic free pest control across the two districts and replace it with a service that was only free to those in receipt of benefits.

Previously the contract provided free pest control treatment for rats and mice for domestic premises, but when a procurement exercise to renew it was undertaken, the tender prices received were far in excess of the previous contract price and the budget that the councils have available.

Both West Devon’s hub committee and South Hams’ executive committee backed recommendations to accept and approve the tender from Terminix to deliver the service in South Hams and West Devon areas which would approve the removal of free pest control (rats and mice treatments) service for residents and replace it with a free service for benefit recipients only, with a review of the decision to take place in 12 months’ time.

Ian Luscombe, head of environmental health and licensing, in his report to the meetings, said: ‘The council has a duty to keep its land free from rats and mice and owners of land have similar responsibilities.

‘The removal of free treatments for some residents may result in the number of rat and mouse infestations increasing and a general increase in the rodent population, complaints regarding rodent infestations may increase and environmental health officers will be required to inspect premises and take action to resolve problems.

‘This may require service of legal notice and the carrying out of treatment and proofing works in default, with a charge being place upon the property for example.

‘This issue will affect residents but the impact on more vulnerable people should be offset by the council offering a free service to those on qualifying benefits.

‘The proposal provides vulnerable residents with support to treat rodent infestations in their properties and is also affordable as it can be covered within the existing service budget.’

Councillors heard that to continue with the existing provision was a cost pressure that could not be afforded but to not offer a service to treat rats and mice to all residents’ raised the risk of more widespread and more serious rodent infestations in the area.

Cllr Neil Jory, leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: ‘It is right that we take this step and have some provision for those who would struggle to afford the controls.’

Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, executive member for well-being at South Hams District Council said if there was a health issue then the council would react responsibly, but that they were in financial hard times and that if they continued the free service for everyone, it would be a budget pressure they would have to address.

The West Devon hub committee unanimously voted in favour of the recommendation to cease the free service for everyone but retain it for those who are on benefits.

South Hams’ executive also backed the move, but with Cllr Keith Baldry voted against it, saying: ‘I have a concern that there will be people not on benefits who cannot afford for to pay for the rat catcher to come out, so will there be infestations that occur.

‘This is important for the health and well-being of the district and so I will be voting against it.’