Overview

• Andrea Scott first alerted Southampton City Council to rats at her 88-year-old mother’s home in April and was told the bedbound resident must pay £297 for pest control.
• On May 20 a rat chewed through the diabetic woman’s sock and severed her toe, leaving her in hospital with ongoing bleeding.
• Unable to afford the council’s fee, the family laid traps and poison in the home but caught no rats.
• After a fresh report on May 27 the council arranged urgent visits from pest control and electrical teams to assess infestations and safety hazards.
• Neighbours on the Butts Close estate have also reported rat problems, highlighting wider concerns over infestations in council properties.