Post Scrutiny - Executive Response

1. That the Council seeks the co-operation of New Charter Housing in the promotion of its pest control services to tenants.

The council will continue to work with New Charter Housing to promote pest control to their tenant.

R. Monk

Ongoing

2. That the Council considers the future of commercial pest control provided by the Pest Control Unit, with a view to developing its marketing strategy.

We will address various options including partnership working before formulating a marketing strategy.

R. Monk/S Schofield

Start April 2003

Complete and Recommend October 2003

3. That the Pest Control Unit considers in detail, forms of partnership which will enable it to extend the Service and therefore create more income.

Accepted. Meeting with potential partners commenced April 2003

R. Monk/S Schofield

Ongoing

4. That the Council continues to use the health and safety training courses offered by Killgerm, in order to keep its Pest Control operatives up-to-date with new pest control products, which consequently will continue to offer a quality service for the customers.

Accepted. Courses currently being planned at Ash Road Environment Centre between Killgerm and Tameside working in partnership.

Ongoing

5. That the Pest Control Unit's Performance Indicators identify that customers are able to book requests weeks in advance, and that these advance bookings are not recorded as long response times for the Unit.

IT system currently being upgraded. Response booked in advance to be same day response.

R Monk

Reviewing process via IT due for completion October 2003.

Response time changed April 2003

6. That the Council continues to monitor customer requirements and external competition, in order to maintain the customers' high levels of satisfaction for its Pest Control Service.

Accepted. Customer Surveys to be continued.

R Monk

Ongoing in Business Plan

7. That the Pest Control Unit develops a marketing policy for its services.

Accepted

R Monk

October 2003

8. That the Pest Control Unit considers undertaking a more rigorous marketing policy for its pest control services by advertising, for example, in the Yellow Pages, libraries, customer services centres, leisure centres etc.

This to be determined following the outcome of any potential partnership working

R. Monk/S Schofield

October 2003

9. That in view of the extensive private and commercial provision of pest control services in competition with the Council's own service, the Pest Control Unit should consider the benefits of a fully private service or the marketing of its services more proactively.

Accepted - This to be evaluated during 2003/4

R. Monk/S Schofield

March 2004

10. That the Service Unit Manager for Environmental, Consumer and Bereavement Services ensures that the Pest Control Service fully operates within the guidelines of the Council's policies for equality and diversity.

Accepted

R Monk

Ongoing with Current Policy

11. That equality and diversity training be given to Pest Control operatives.

Training Course to be developed in house

S Schofield

October 2003

12. That consideration be given to alternative methods of rodent control in sewers and a report be presented to the Cabinet Deputy.

A full report to be presented to Cabinet Deputy.

S Lea/R Monk

September 2003

13. That consideration be given to the provision of a comprehensive maintenance programme, which will ascertain problems with sewer pipes, to avoid a rodent infestation.

This is outside of our control and remit of the section, but officers will continue a dialogue with United Utilities regarding sewer baiting and the condition of the network generally, particularly if this is leading to rat outbreaks.

N/A

14. That the Pest Control Unit works in partnership with United Utilities to determine the strategic future of the service and future funding arrangements.

Accepted. Meetings to be arranged

S Schofield

Meeting to be set up during April/May 2003

15. That the Pest Control Unit undertakes an educational publicity drive, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeons, in a bid to alleviate persistent pigeon feeders and emphasising that the Council will take action against offenders.

Accepted. Publicity material to be developed

S Schofield

Ongoing 1st phase May/June 2003

16. That the Pest Control Unit considers the use of falconry as a method of reducing pigeons.

Already considered but not efficient. Representations have been received from the RSPCA who oppose this measure. It would however, highlight the problem and gain local press publicity.

N/A

17. That the Council adopts a protocol detailing how action will be taken for offenders, together with a standard letter, to ensure consistency in the process.

Accepted. Procedure to be agreed with legal.

S Schofield

Procedure in place July 2003

18. That the Pest Control Unit places bigger signs in more visible locations, warning members of the public not to feed the pigeons and that any people caught feeding the pigeons could be prosecuted under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

This work is not currently funded but can be done on a small scale.

Small scale provision to commence May 2003 - ongoing

19. That the Pest Control Unit investigates alternative and more effective ways of reducing the pigeon population in the Borough in the long term.

Policy of pigeon 'reduction' to be formulated.

Policy to be produced July 2003

20. That, when producing advertising literature on its Pest Control Service, the Council highlights that all operatives have appropriate qualifications and comply with health and safety regulations.

Accepted

Agreed

21. That the Pest Control Unit reviews its health and safety policies for its Pest Control operatives.

Currently being undertaken (April 2003)

S Schofield

Complete report due May 2003

22. That the Council liaises with commercial property owners/leaseholders to assist with the public education and possibly with a litter reduction strategy in order to reduce the risk of pest infestations.

See 15

As 15