New euro rules will cut fire services and increase Council Tax bills
24th March 2009
Peter Aldous has expressed concern at new European Union regulations that could lead to cuts in Suffolk's Fire Services and force up Council Tax bills.
The European Parliament, including local Labour MEP for the Eastern Region, Richard Howitt, has 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 would have a devastating impact on retained (part-time, professional) fighters, who double up their fire work with other jobs. Many have pagers - on call in the event of an emergency.
This will cut the number of retained firefighters on active duty, especially in rural areas. 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. The Local Government Association and Chief Fire Officers Association have attacked the plans.
Currently, in Suffolk there are 498 retained firefighters' posts. Only 396 posts are filled, reflecting difficulties in recruiting them. Such shortages would worsen if Labour's Euro MPs get their way.
Peter Aldous said "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 bills across Suffolk. It is vital that the Government stands firm on this crucial issue. Labour MEP's need to be sent a message in the European Elections that their failure to protect local fire services is not acceptable. Conservatives will stand up for Britain and our firefighters in the face of this new threat".
