Labour warns of ‘horrifying’ rise in rat sightings
Scottish Labor has warned that cuts to local authority cleaning budgets are linked to a “horrible” rise in rat cases across Scotland.
Data obtained by the party through a freedom of information request reveals that councils recorded 19,752 complaints about rats last year. This represents a significant increase of 35% compared to 2021/22.
Glasgow had the most acute problem, accounting for over half of all complaints. The city recorded 10,840 reports in 2024/25; This is a significant increase of 50% from the 7,215 complaints lodged in 2021/22.
Labor said the rise in rat cases came alongside a decline in spending on street cleaning, which has fallen by 34% since 2010/11.
It also noted that satisfaction with street cleanliness in Scotland fell to its lowest point recorded last year; this rate was 57% in Scotland and only 37% in Glasgow.
Labor local government spokesman Mark Griffin said the figures showed the SNP had “failed on key issues”.
He added: “There has been a horrific rise in rat cases as the SNP’s cuts to councils have hit cleaning budgets.
“Glasgow is a world class city but we can all see how let down it is by the SNP.
“The SNP is failing on the basics, leaving us with rubbish in the streets and rioting rats.
“People are tired of seeing their communities crushed by this incompetent SNP Government.
“A Scottish Labor government will end the SNP’s evisceration of local communities and introduce a fair funding mechanism so councils can get the basics right.”
Public finance minister Ivan McKee described the allegations as “false”.
He added: “A record £15bn has been given to councils this year to meet local needs.
“Local finance settlement has increased by 50% since 2013/14.
“Funding council-run waste services is a matter for local authorities, not the Scottish Government.”
