A SHARP rise in the cost of pest control will lead to increase in the number of bug and vermin infestations across the borough, it has been claimed.

Liberal Democrat environment spokeswoman Cllr Naheed Qureshi said new fees of £155 to deal with bedbugs and £105 for mice control - hikes of 60 and 40 per cent - will deter households from getting help and lead to an escalation of the problem.

She also accused the council leadership of "sneaking in" the charges over the Christmas holidays.

The new rates were approved as an executive decision by council leader Chris Robbins on Tuesday, December 21, and came into force this month.

Cllr Qureshi said: "These massive price increases are another extra burden on local residents.

"Many people may now think twice about whether to call out the pest control service.

“This risks further infestations as the pests will spread further and possibly affect neighbouring houses before action is taken.

“It’s a short-sighted decision which shows Labour councillors simply don’t care about the effect of their decisions on local residents.”

Charges also include £115 for flea control, a rise of 53 per cent.

Residents on council tax benefits have also had similar increases for their charges, which now stand at £90 for bedbug control, £65 for fleas and £55 for mice.

The charges were last increased in April 2010. But Labour cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Clyde Loakes, blamed Cllr Qureshi's party for the rise.

He said: "I'll take no lectures from the Lib Dems on increases in charges after their disgraceful betrayal of students by supporting the hike in tuition fees by some 200 per cent plus.

“Let’s be clear - the reason we are having to resort to increasing our charges and are reducing the subsidy on the pest control service is as a direct consequence of the slashing of our budgets by this Tory led Government and their Lib Dem puppets.

"Cllr Naheed Qureshi, the last time I checked, is a Lib Dem. She needs to take some ownership and responsibility for what her Government is doing to the residents and local services here in Waltham Forest."

He added: "Looking at the only two Lib Dem run councils in London - Kingston only offers pest control for rats and Sutton allow their contractor to charge whatever it likes dependent on the job.

Many boroughs have also introduced hourly rates, charges per visit and charges for rats, none of which we have done."

The coalition government say the funding cuts are necessary to address a massive defecit created by the previous Labour government’s mismanagement of the nation’s finances .

What do you think? Have you used the council's pest control service? Contact reporter Daniel Binns on 0779 547 6625 or via email at dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk

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