To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the proportion of local authorities charging for pest control services at the latest date for which figures are available according to estimates of (a) his Department and (b) the Audit Commission. (202555)

DEFRA holds no information on either the number or proportion of local authorities which charge for pest control services. It is for local authorities to decide on the most appropriate pest control programme in their own area, whilst having regard to their duties for controlling rats and mice under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.