PPC114 | Pests in politics

BPCA’s lobbying work continues. Stay up-to-date with all things pest in the UK parliament and devolved administrations. PPC helps keep you firmly in the loop.

▶ Scotland’s Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill 

The ongoing discussions regarding the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill in Scotland have become a focal point for pest-related political matters.

BPCA has successfully lobbied for further scrutiny of the proposed glue board ban in Scotland. 

This follows the glue trap ban in Wales, which came into effect in October 2023, and ongoing discussions regarding licensing in England, which have been pushed back to July 2024.

The proposed regulations primarily target the use of glue traps, prompting conversations on humane pest control in Scotland, associated animal welfare and public health risks, and the potential role of licensing in managing challenges related to rodent control.

Current discussions

Advancing through various stages, the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill has undergone thorough examination by the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee (RAIC). The Committee’s stage 1 report provides essential insights into the considerations surrounding glue traps in Scotland.

The RAIC has seriously considered the insights and recommendations put forth by BPCA during the examination of the bill’s various stages.

The Committee, noting the challenges of rodent infestations in critical areas, acknowledged the need for swift and effective rodent control in high-risk public health environments.

While RAIC acknowledges the drawbacks of glue traps, it expresses reservations about a complete ban, especially in high-risk settings.

“The Committee has heard that in settings where there is a high risk to public health, such as schools, hospitals and food preparation areas, quick and effective rodent control is essential. The Committee has also heard from industry representatives about the extent of the rodent problem, with “near pandemic levels of rodent infestations” in some parts of Scotland.”

The absence of clear evidence on alternative methods for rapid and effective rodent control in such environments heightens concerns about potential health, social, and economic consequences.

BPCA CEO Ian Andrew met with Gillian Martin MSP, the Scottish Government Minister responsible for leading the Bill through the Scottish Parliament, urging her to consider introducing a licensing scheme for professional pest controllers.

“BPCA has advocated for a licensing scheme, aligning with the committee’s preference. We have proposed a robust licensing system for pest controllers, ensuring strict controls while exploring alternative solutions.”

Possible amendments 

BPCA has advocated for a licensing scheme, aligning with the committee’s preference. We have proposed a robust licensing system for pest controllers, ensuring strict controls while exploring alternative solutions.

The debate revolves around whether a total ban would inadvertently prolong the eradication of rodent problems in critical settings.

Edward Mountain, MSP for Highlands and Islands, has introduced amendments to address our concerns raised during committee deliberations.

These amendments aim to implement a licensing system so that Scottish Ministers “may grant a licence ... authorising a pest controller” to use glue traps.

Emphasising the importance of a glue trap licence, these amendments restrict its use to situations where no satisfactory alternative exists and with the “purpose of preserving public health or public safety”.

Additionally, the proposed amendments outline the necessity for approved training courses in glue trap usage, ensuring pest controllers meet specific criteria and maintaining professionalism in the industry.

The next steps

This lobbying victory signifies collaboration between industry representatives and policymakers, showcasing the BPCA’s dedication to finding solutions to the challenges posed by rodent infestations while prioritising animal welfare and public health.

As the legislative process unfolds, pest controllers find themselves central to a pivotal debate shaping the future of rodent control in Scotland.

BPCA remains actively engaged in driving forward these discussions, advocating for solutions that safeguard public health while addressing the unique challenges posed by rodent infestations. 

In the coming weeks, BPCA will closely monitor the progress of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill, recognising its potential impact on pest control practices in Scotland.

BPCA stands ready to provide support and guidance to its members, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping the future of pest management legislation.

With the amendment deadline approaching, pest controllers are urged to stay connected with industry updates and collaborate with professional associations to contribute to the ongoing discussions surrounding the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill in Scotland.

BPCA will update members via ithe website and social media.

▶ Licensing in England

Glue Traps (Offences) Act will likely take effect in July 2024 and Defra has confirmed that Natural England has been appointed as the regulator for glue trap licensing in England.

“With regards to the timing and implementation period, it is important to us that all pest controllers are aware of their responsibilities when acting under a licence and we want to ensure that there are no operability gaps between commencing the Glue Traps (Offences) Act and the introduction of the licensing regime.

“The minister therefore supports an approach which will allow pest controllers to register for a licence prior to the Act coming into force, which is expected to be July 2024”.

This means pest professionals will be able to continue to use glue boards for rodents in England without a license until July 2024, when a licensing scheme will be in place.

BPCA Chief Exec, Ian Andrew said: “While it’s been a frustrating wait for news regarding glue board licensing in England, we’re pleased Minister Pow has appointed Natural England and delayed the implementation date.

“I’ve already written to Defra to remind them that BPCA and our members are on hand to help make sure the licensing scheme is workable and allows us to protect public health”.

He continued: “BPCA will continue to represent the pest management community. Our fight for a licensing scheme in Scotland continues.

“Above all, we must ensure that pest professionals have access to a robust toolkit that protects citizens from the disease, destruction and distress pest infestations cause”.