A district council has blocked a move to roll back its charge for dealing with rat infestations. South Kesteven District Council in Lincs charges �40 to get rid of rats if there is a complaint from residents.
Councillors voted against a motion on Thursday, even though some councillors said the new charge was stopping people from reporting cases of infestation.
The councillors who supported the fee said it is already part of the budget approved by the full council.
They said it was up to individuals to be vigilant and ensure that conditions that encouraged rodents were tackled before they got out of hand.
The council's environmental health manager Michael Brown said: "There is an increase in the rat population across the country due to milder winters and warmer springs.
"People are using takeaway food more often - unfortunately all this is food for the rat population."
But Councillor Stephen O'Hare said the cost of dealing with rats should be carried by the council.
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