AROUND 2,300 firefighter posts will be lost under “disgraceful” central government cuts, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary Steve Wright has warned.

Time is running out for ministers to prove the party “could provide a meaningful alternative to the Tories,” the Labour-affiliated union leader warned in a fresh call for a wealth tax to “create an economy for workers.”

National Fire Chiefs Council modelling shows that a funding shortfall of £102 million — equivalent to 1,500 firefighters — for about two-thirds of all services across the country.

Including London and county brigades, the figure rises to about 2,300 posts, the FBU said.

Following yet another below-inflation funding settlement for 2025-26 after 15 years of austerity, Mr Wright said: “It is simply disgraceful that the government is imposing cuts on this scale, having come to power promising change. 

“Cuts to the emergency services will cost lives.”

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said:  “We understand the challenges that fire services are facing and we are determined to deliver better public services through our Plan for Change. 

“To support our brave firefighters who work tirelessly to keep communities safe, standalone fire and rescue authorities will receive an increase of almost £70 million next year. We continue to work closely with the sector to ensure Fire and Rescue Services have the resources they need.”