CASH-strapped Sandwell Council has launched a public consultation on how best to continue providing a full range of pest control services in the face of dwindling budgets.

Residents have the chance to comment on which pest treatments they would be willing to pay for and what charges they feel would be acceptable.

If charges are introduced, people on means-tested benefits would not have to pay.

A council spokesman said there were no plans to charge for dealing with rats and mice.

Cabinet member for public health and protection Councillor Preet Gill said: “The pest control work the council does is vitally important.

“We currently provide a free service for all pests because they can cause great distress and carry health problems for the public.

“It is disappointing that we now have to consider introducing charges for the first time.

“However, in light of reducing budgets as a result of government cuts, that is preferable to cutting the service for local people.

“Before we make any decisions on which pest treatments we might charge for and the level of any charges, we would really like to hear people’s views.

“While having to charge for some pest control services is almost inevitable, we have no plans to charge for dealing with rats and mice.”

Sandwell is currently the only council in the Black Country to provide a full range of free services for residents facing problems with pests – including rats, mice, wasps, fleas, insects and cockroaches.

Views can be given at www.sandwell.gov.uk/pestssurvey before October 26.