To summarise, Merseyside Fire Authority will cut £3.5 million from the fire service's budget, as planned. However, the FBU has negotiated changes to where the axe will fall:

- Both parties have accepted the principle of part-time working and the local joint secretaries will develop an understanding of where secondary contracts are relevant and where premium rates are payable.

- A LLAR (Low Level of Activity and Risk Stations) duty system will continue at Heswall, West Kirby and Formby, and be introduced at Newton-le-Willows fire stations as soon as practical. Staff accommodation will be provided by the rental/purchase of property close to the stations. That accommodation will be the subject of regular review. No changes will be made at Belle Vale and Allerton fire stations while a further study is undertaken.

- There will be no changes in the shift patterns at the control room, but there will be a reduction of eight full-time posts and an addition of four part-time posts. There will be a minimum of seven staff at any one time rather than two as initially proposed.

- Rather than axing four secondary fire engines, they will all be kept in service. Three secondary engines at Bootle/Netherton, Bromborough and St Helens will remain in full operation, while the secondary pump at Liverpool City Centre station will be replaced by a combined pump and aerial appliance vehicle.