The final report specifically on rodent-related problems in North Lanarkshire has predictably shown a decline in reports following the council’s reintroduction of pest control fees.

Various issues relating to the coronavirus pandemic caused an increase in rat populations, so the council suspended its pest control fees from June 2021 until April 23.

The charge currently stands at £51.60 except for council tenants where it is included in their tenancy agreements.

Accordingly, the number of complaints from private residences has dropped by around two thirds, although there is still a rising number of complaints from tenanted properties.

It is thought that in many cases private residents may be asking tenants to report problems on their behalf in order to avoid paying.

There are also 21 recorded incidents of people refusing pest control services because of the charges, with one person rejecting them on learning that the rats are killed rather than released elsewhere.

However in September a significant programme of cleanups was carried out, with further locations targets in November.

These have resulted in reduced numbers of complaints.

Council officers will continue to work on these cleanups whenever areas of concern are identified, including in areas of high private ownership.

The council’s environment and climate change committee formally approved the report at a recent meeting.