NEW European Union regulations could lead to cuts in local fire services and force up council tax bills, according to a Warrington Parliamentary hopeful.
The European Parliament 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 worked no more than 48 hours a week. “On-call” time in the workplace, even when inactive, would be counted as working time. 
David Mowat, Prospective Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Warrington South said: “This will have a devastating impact on retained (part-time, professional) firefighters, 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. 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.”
Mr Mowat said currently Cheshire had 223 retained firefighter posts. Only 172 posts were filled, however, reflecting difficulties in recruiting them.
He 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 would cut local fire services, put lives at risk and force up council tax across Cheshire. It is vital that the Government stands firm on this crucial issue.”
Mr Mowat claimed Labour MEPs in the North West supported the change.
