Calls to Abolish Controversial ‘Rat Tax’ as Residents Fear Rodent Overpopulation

Birmingham: The city council is under fire for its ‘rat tax.’ This charge was introduced last year, and many residents are not happy about it. With ongoing bin strikes, the situation is getting worse.

The council had previously offered pest control for free. Now, they want to charge residents for rat treatments. Some councillors are calling it a ‘rat tax’ and want it scrapped. They argue that with rubbish piling up, rats will only increase.

Councillor Adam Higgs is leading the charge against this tax. He believes the service should be free again, especially since residents are struggling with waste collection. He pointed out that the council had promised to keep it free last year.

Sam Forsyth, another councillor, agrees. She’s worried about the health risks rats pose. “Nobody wants to see this city overrun with rats,” she said.

The council claims the charge was necessary due to financial issues. They say it costs them a lot to provide the service. However, many believe residents are now buying their own rat poison instead of relying on the council.

In a recent meeting, the committee voted to reject the charge. But there’s a worry that the full council might not support this decision. The council has faced many challenges lately, including budget cuts and rising service demands.