Issue - meetings

To consider the review of this service.

1.    That detail in relation to the current provision of pest control services within Cheshire East, and the financial implications of various service delivery models that have been considered as part of a full review of the service, be noted.

2.    That the proposal for the reduced service delivery model be approved as the most appropriate way forward to meet financial savings and to underline the commitment of Cheshire East Council to the treatment of public health pests.

3.    That the Principal Manager: Regulatory Services and Health be authorised to implement the reduced service delivery model in conjunction with any necessary consultation with staff, Trade Unions and Human Resources.

4.    That the Principal Manager: Regulatory Services and Health be authorised to communicate any changes to pest control service delivery to relevant internal and external stakeholders.

During discussion of this item Councillor Steve Hogben declared a personal interest by virtue of his position as Director on the Board of ANSA.

It was reported that the Pest Control Service had experienced ongoing uncertainty about its future for several years and had, as a result, been maintained in its historical delivery model which had allowed neither development nor efficiency savings to be achieved as a result of which the service continued to operate at a cost to the council.

The financial planning process for 2015-2016 and beyond had determined that a saving of £60K would be achieved through the removal of the subsidy for delivery of the pest control service and the service budget had been reduced to reflect this.

A recent review of Enforcement within Cheshire East recommended that the Pest Control Service should be reviewed to determine whether the council should continue to operate the service or consider alternative delivery options.

This report examined the different delivery options available and in relation to the national picture.  Three main options of either maintaining the current service, ceasing the pest control service completely, or of a reduced service delivery, were set out in the report. 

In response to a question concerning a possible option of the work being carried out by either a new or existing Alternative Service Delivery Vehicle it was confirmed that this had been investigated as part of a wider review but that it had not been shown to be financially viable.

The Portfolio Holder reviewed the salient points of each of the options, and reported that he had decided upon the reduced service delivery option, for the reasons set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    That detail in relation to the current provision of pest control services within Cheshire East, and the financial implications of various service delivery models that have been considered as part of a full review of the service, be noted.

2.    That the proposal for the reduced service delivery model be approved as the most appropriate way forward to meet financial savings and to underline the commitment of Cheshire East Council to the treatment of public health pests.

3.    That the Principal Manager: Regulatory Services and Health be authorised to implement the reduced service delivery model in conjunction with any necessary consultation with staff, Trade Unions and Human Resources.

4.    That the Principal Manager: Regulatory Services and Health be authorised to communicate any changes to pest control service delivery to relevant internal and external stakeholders.