PUBLIC AFFAIRS

BPCA welcomed Maya Ellis MP to Lancashire last week, as part of a visit to LES Pest Management to explore the role of professional pest management in protecting public health.

The visit brought together Maya Ellis, BPCA Chief Executive Rosina Robson, and LES Pest Management Managing Director Paul McCann for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

Rosina Robson, Chief Executive (BPCA), Maya Ellis MP (Ribble Valley), John McCann, Paul McCann and Jack McCann (LES Pest Management) and Ciaran Breen, Policy and Campaigns Officer (BPCA)

Highlighting the role of pest professionals

During the visit, discussions focused on the essential work BPCA members carry out in safeguarding homes, businesses and public buildings, including hospitals and schools.

As MP for Ribble Valley, where LES Pest Management is based, Maya Ellis also sits on the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee. The group has been examining housing conditions across England, making pest management an increasingly relevant topic.

BPCA used the opportunity to outline key priorities for the sector, including:

• Protecting householders from pests in line with Awaab’s Law and wider housing reforms
• Reviewing chemical regulation
• Promoting the TrustMark scheme
• Restricting access to professional-use products and equipment.

A chance to show what the industry does

Paul McCann said:

This has been an excellent opportunity to show what professional pest management is really about: making sure that people can live safely, healthily, and comfortably within their community.

Maya Ellis added:

Lancashire Environmental Services plays a vital role in keeping businesses open and protecting public health and it was admirable to hear how Paul, John and Jack are pushing for regulations that will protect more homes from pests. Their business has grown and diversified since the 1980s and it was interesting to hear how they’re challenging negative perceptions of pest control through investment in the professional development of their staff and in educating the public on the importance of prevention rather than cure.

Working with government

Rosina Robson welcomed the engagement from policymakers:

We are proud of all of our members, including LES Pest Management, and the vital services they provide to their local communities, protecting public health. We are grateful for the interest that Maya Ellis has in our sector, as there is much opportunity for collaboration between MPs and BPCA to improve the regulation of our industry.

The visit highlights the growing recognition of pest management within wider conversations about housing standards, public health and regulation, particularly as reforms such as Awaab’s Law continue to develop.

To learn more about BPCA's policy work, you can visit bpca.org.uk/policy, or if you'd like to engage with your local MP, contact policy@bpca.org.uk