Simon Clarke Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 BASC submits proposal for ten-year shotgun and firearm certificates Shotgun and firearm certificates should be valid for ten years, rather than the current five, in order to improve enforcement, boost public safety and cut the administrative burden and cost for police forces, according to the UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC). BASC has made a formal proposal on the issue to the Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills as part of its “focus on enforcement” initiative. Richard Ali, BASC chief executive, said: “Extending the life of a firearm certificate from five to ten years would reduce the administrative and cost burden on the police, allowing them to better target their resources and result in improved protection of public safety.” “The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) argued for the extension of a certificate from three to five years. This was introduced in 1995, on the basis that it would improve public safety while reducing bureaucracy. Extending a certificate to ten years would allow the police to focus on checking on potential problem cases rather than being caught in an endless whirl of bureaucracy” “There have been significant advances in police databases, intelligence and reporting since certificate life was extended from three years to five. The police now receive notification of any individual certificate holder who comes to their attention and can quickly act to revoke a certificate or remove firearms as necessary.” “BASC is uniquely placed to offer an opinion on the management of firearms licensing across the UK. We have the regulatory expertise and the only full-time firearms department offering advice to certificate applicants and holders. We currently deal with some 500 calls every month.” “Certificate holders have to be law-abiding people and the overwhelming majority of certificates are regularly renewed. Less than 1% of certificates are revoked each year and there are almost 800,000 certificates on issue in England, Scotland and Wales.” “Firearms licensing must do two things. It must protect public safety and also allow the continued lawful use of firearms. Shooting is integral to life in Britain. It is essential to conservation. People who shoot spend £250 million pounds from their own pockets every year on conservation work. Shooting brings income to local economies and contributes to food safety and security by protecting crops and livestock from pests and predators.” “It is vital that the administration of the licensing system is managed properly, that police costs are kept down and that no excessive financial burden is placed on individual certificate holders.” “BASC’s proposal for a ten-year certificate would meet all of these requirements, driving down costs and making administration more streamlined, while allowing the police to concentrate on effective monitoring and enforcement. It is for these reasons that we have made our submission to Government.” In England, Scotland and Wales there were 791,022 shotgun and firearm certificates on issue in 2012/13. In Northern Ireland there are 59,585 firearm certificates on issue. A certificate currently costs £50 and lasts for five years. Certificates can be revoked and firearms removed by the police at any point. Firearms licensing is currently affected by regular peaks and troughs of activity from year-to-year as five-year certificates come up for renewal. Some police licensing departments lay-off expert staff in the troughs and recruit to fill gaps in the peaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 i think this is fair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flynny Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 If its true ?, would be even better if once you gained your certs they just called you every 5 years to see if any circumstances have changed and maybe a quick visit to inspect cabinets and serial numbers etc. If all is well give them the fees and hopefully no forms to fill in, "just carry on " I'm not gonna go all "war and peace "on this subject, its just my opinion. There are many different ideas but it would make it easier all round, Something needs doing so that all forces read off the same hym sheet, PS , i 'm with GMP and they are fantastic any way , very proficient atb Flynny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simjakcal Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 so does basc propose the £50 fee stay the same for a 10yr certificate as well ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sumoboy Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 great idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 Can I get a rebate; law of averages says I'm not going to live that long? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Clarke Posted November 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 so does basc propose the £50 fee stay the same for a 10yr certificate as well ? No - a rise to cover inflation at least is due. Last rise was circa 2001. However, we have worked to knock back police demands for vastly inflated fees. Fees will now be looked at by a working group set up by the Home Office. The key is that police costs must be transparent, reviewed and different performance across different forces must be addressed. A fair price for a fair service. If its true ?, would be even better if once you gained your certs they just called you every 5 years to see if any circumstances have changed and maybe a quick visit to inspect cabinets and serial numbers etc. If all is well give them the fees and hopefully no forms to fill in, "just carry on " I'm not gonna go all "war and peace "on this subject, its just my opinion. There are many different ideas but it would make it easier all round, Something needs doing so that all forces read off the same hym sheet, PS , i 'm with GMP and they are fantastic any way , very proficient atb Flynny It is a proposal to Government at this stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostonmick Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 a step in the right direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 (edited) Cannot think of many reasons why they should NOT be for life, its not like big brother aint watching you Edited coz I missed an important word out Edited November 27, 2013 by kent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 it took a long time to get from 3 years to 5 years,should be for life, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahamch Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 A sensible idea, even if we have to pay aslightly higher fee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckster Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 I think it would be a good idea to have it a two part licence as well,( like the two part driving licence),one a paper one with all your guns on it and plastic one that you can take out with you without it getting knackered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 I think it would be a good idea to have it a two part licence as well,( like the two part driving licence),one a paper one with all your guns on it and plastic one that you can take out with you without it getting knackered. Also why can't RFD's process 1 for 1 variations? Sell old one to RFD, buy new one! The world has moved on a lot since the original paper process was designed there are digital tachographs, electronic passports, ANPR cameras yet firearms administration is stuck in the 1970's..... Ammo limits, slots etc can all be held electronically giving police real time data.... Someone buys alot of ammo in a couple days could be flagged, for review, all above board big comp or about to on a rampage.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norfolk dumpling Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 A car licence is for 'life' (to age 70) and look at the thousands of deaths and serious injuries caused by drivers many of which should not still be driving so 10yrs for gun licence seems right and proper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonathanL Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 BASC submits proposal for ten-year shotgun and firearm certificates Richard Ali, BASC chief executive, said: “Extending the life of a firearm certificate from five to ten years would reduce the administrative and cost burden on the police, allowing them to better target their resources and result in improved protection of public safety.” And removing the job from the police would eliminate the cost burden to them! J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonathanL Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 No - a rise to cover inflation at least is due. Last rise was circa 2001. However, we have worked to knock back police demands for vastly inflated fees. Fees will now be looked at by a working group set up by the Home Office. The key is that police costs must be transparent, reviewed and different performance across different forces must be addressed. A fair price for a fair service. It is a proposal to Government at this stage. I really must object top the use of thsi word "service". Firearms licensing is not a 'service' offered to us - it is an obligation. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 I really must object top the use of thsi word "service". Firearms licensing is not a 'service' offered to us - it is an obligation. J. Object all you like. Policing or Law enforcement is a Public Service by definition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Clarke Posted November 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 I really must object top the use of thsi word "service". Firearms licensing is not a 'service' offered to us - it is an obligation. J. Agreed it is an obligatory process, but there should be an awareness of, and room for, good customer service from the police in their administration of the system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teal Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 I think it would be a good idea to have it a two part licence as well,( like the two part driving licence),one a paper one with all your guns on it and plastic one that you can take out with you without it getting knackered. Sounds like you need a PW Certificate Wallet: http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/topic/228325-shotgun-firearm-certificate-wallets/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckster Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 A car licence is for 'life' (to age 70) and look at the thousands of deaths and serious injuries caused by drivers many of which should not still be driving so 10yrs for gun licence seems right and proper. No! the two part photo driving licence has to be renewed every 10 years with a new picture.Teal thanks for the link but mines all ready in a wallet but by the time I'm ready for renewal the licence is falling apart with taking it out with me on damp rainy days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kes Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 Good sense. However Durham medicals is a more urgent target and consistent application of a single approach to licencing. National Firearms Agency is required, like the Highways Agency - but run by the private sector, 10 year certs and one set of rules. Set the renewal/grant fee levels based on the lowest tender v income. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gibspoon Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 Speaking of medicals...a 10 year period potentially gives someone time to go from sane to having mental health problems. Would we accept that an interim medical would be on the cards? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 Speaking of medicals...a 10 year period potentially gives someone time to go from sane to having mental health problems. Would we accept that an interim medical would be on the cards?That can take far less than 6 years......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonathanL Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 Speaking of medicals...a 10 year period potentially gives someone time to go from sane to having mental health problems. Would we accept that an interim medical would be on the cards? So does a one week certificate. Or even one day. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fruitloop Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 (edited) another money and time saver is get rid of the 1 for 1 .if you have been deemed suitable to have a fac and a calibre of rifle (you apply for each calibre) . what good does having to reapply every time you want to replace it with something newer or different maker as long as the flo knows where it has gone and who to. like with shotguns. or is that to easy and cost effective....... Edited November 28, 2013 by fruitloop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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