Blackburn with Darwen Council increases flea treatment fees by £5, with other environmental service charges also rising.
Getting rid of fleas or cockroaches will cost more. Two visits will rise 7.14%, from £70 to £75. Wasp, garden ant, and bed bug removal costs stay the same; they will remain at £60, £45, and £165.
For businesses, rat and mouse removal is changing. Three visits increase 2.5%, from £200 to £205. Cockroach removal will also cost a bit more, with two visits going up 2.5%, from £200 to £205. Flea treatment will increase as well.
Two visits for fleas will cost £140, up 3.7% from the previous £135. Wasp and garden ant removal is also increasing. The price will rise 7.69%, from £65 to £70.
Domestic bin service will jump by 7.14%. The new fee for starting will be £75, previously £70. Collecting green garden waste will also cost more.
The regular green waste collection increases 12.5%. It will be £45 yearly, up from £40. The “early bird” discount rises even more. It increases 14.29%, from £35 to £40. The fee for stray dog collection remains £50.
Cllr Smith’s report explains rising costs. Staff, vehicles, and fuel prices have all increased. Fees help offset the costs of these services, allowing them to keep running normally.
The council reviews fees yearly. Most environmental service increases happen on April 1. Tree work by council officers will also rise. The increase will be between 4.76 and 15.38%, starting on April 1.