Threat to our Fire Service

IT is worrying to learn that new European Union regulations could lead to cuts in Essex's fire services and force up council tax bills. The European Parliament, including our local Eastern Region Labour MEP Richard Howitt is among those who have voted to impose new red tape through the EU Working Time Directive.

If the new EU rules go ahead, workers' rights to opt-out from the working time rules will be abolished. Employers would have to ensure workers work no more than 48 hours a week. 'On-call' time in the workplace, even when inactive, would be counted as working time. This will have a devastating impact on retained (part-time, professional) fire-fighters, who double up their fire work with other jobs. Many have pagers – on call in the event of emergencies.

This will cut the number of retained firefighters on active duty, especially in rural communities. There will be reduced local fire cover, response times will increase as firefighters have to come from further away, and more full-time firefighters will be needed – pushing up the fire levy on council tax bills. No wonder, the Local Government Association and Chief Fire Officers' Association have attacked the plans.

Currently, in Essex there are 258 retained firefighter posts of which 238 are filled, reflecting recruiting difficulties. Such shortages would worsen if Labour's Euro-MPs get their way.

Retained firefighters do a superb service to our community, helping tackle fires, floods and road accidents. I am very concerned at the effect of these new rules which would cut back workers' rights to work when they choose.

This red tape, backed by Labour MEPs, would cut local fire services, put lives at risk and force up council tax across Harlow and surrounding villages.

It is vital the Government stands firm on this crucial issue. Labour MEPs need to be sent a message in the European elections that their failure to protect local fire services is not acceptable.