William Eichler 09 April 2025

Councils spend £40m fighting ‘ratflation’

Councils spend £40m fighting ‘ratflation’ image
© New Africa / Shutterstock.com.

Local authority pest control services made nearly 300,000 visits to people’s homes to deal with pest infestations last year at a cost of £40m.

Analysis by Direct Line Home Insurance found that the number of pest control call outs councils handled in 2024 was an increase of 3% when compared to 2023 and was up 9% on 2022.

Last year, local authorities responded to an additional 52 rat or mouse callouts per day compared to 2022 and there was a 35% jump in bedbug infestations from 2022 to 2024.

Maria Lawrence, product expert – Home Insurance at Direct Line, commented: ‘More and more people are facing an I’m a Celebrity trial in their own home, coming face to face with cockroaches and rats. Infestations can not only cause huge damage to people’s homes they also pose a huge health hazard.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Business Support Officer (Museums & Galleries NPO)

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£16,765 - £17,607
This is an exciting opportunity to support Kirklees Museums and Galleries in the development of its ambitious vision Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£30,024 - £33,699 pro rata
Higher Level Teaching Assistant Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699 pro rata Full time, term time only + 2 weeks Permanent Required from 3rd November.  We wish Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader - Communication and Interaction

Durham County Council
Leadership 6 - 10 £58,569 - £64,691
We are looking for a Team Leader to join our highly valued and well-established Specialist SEND and Inclusion Support (SIS) Service. This is an addit Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Business Analyst

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum
Do you enjoy analysing problems, identifying opportunities, and delivering practical solutions? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Business Analyst

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - £51,356 per annum
Do you enjoy analysing problems, identifying opportunities, and delivering practical solutions? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner