Wooder Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 SGC is up for renewal beginning of March, had a letter from Kent Police last Friday stating under new legislation I would need my GP to submit a medical report to them. So I thought strike while the iron is hot, got an appointment with my GP, I presented him with the template letter duly filled in with my details. thought it would be just a case of rubber stamping and them sending the report. luckily I have never really been to the doctors for much only a bit of high blood pressure and a bad back. How wrong could I have been, he said "the practice were taking the stance they are not qualified to give a report" My GP said they also have a template letter drafted by the BMA, that they would be sending to the police with my details, stating the reasons why they will not be giving the report. I thought I would play my renewal by the book, prefer to have the police onside. I am now going to submit my renewal without the report. what else can I do ? feeling extremely frustrated by the whole situation!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 Watching with great interest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 (edited) WHAT new legislation ? Has the Firearms Act been amended and being kept secret now ? I think that I would be asking to see a copy of the 'new ligislation' ! Edited November 19, 2018 by Westley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainBeaky Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 Interesting... I had a phone call a few weeks back, from one of the Kent FEOs, inviting me to renew early, to even out their workload. I was promised a pro-rata reduction in the fee, which is fair enough. I was then told that I would need to submit a report from my GP, as for the OP. On querying whether this was in accordance with both Home Office guidelines and the agreement between the HO and the BMA, what I got in response was, frankly, waffle. The filter won't allow use of the preferred term, but a bovine is definitely involved. Looks like Kent are jumping on the bandwagon... I said would consider it, and left it at that. What I don't want to do is acquiesce and thereby set any form of precedent - "well, most people are happy to do it...". At the moment, therefore, I am sitting tight and watching what happens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oowee Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 40 minutes ago, CaptainBeaky said: Interesting... I had a phone call a few weeks back, from one of the Kent FEOs, inviting me to renew early, to even out their workload. I was promised a pro-rata reduction in the fee, which is fair enough. I was then told that I would need to submit a report from my GP, as for the OP. On querying whether this was in accordance with both Home Office guidelines and the agreement between the HO and the BMA, what I got in response was, frankly, waffle. The filter won't allow use of the preferred term, but a bovine is definitely involved. Looks like Kent are jumping on the bandwagon... I said would consider it, and left it at that. What I don't want to do is acquiesce and thereby set any form of precedent - "well, most people are happy to do it...". At the moment, therefore, I am sitting tight and watching what happens. If you have the time to wait is it not worth just banging it in without and see what happens? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 if the police dont get a doctors letter with in 3 weeks you get your ticket.thats how it works here, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 Unfortunately, a LOT of shooters are going to be one of those "Most people are happy to do it" brigade and as such will set a precedent. I only renewed my Certificate last year, so a few years to go now, BUT, I am in an area where the local Force is using this con trick ! I already know of 1 person who is giving up his Certificate next year and THAT is what this issue is all about in the first place ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 12 minutes ago, marmite said: there are people I know that can not get the gp practise to fill in the forms as the leading doctor is a twitchier and is against shooting Really? Which practise is this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 (edited) I think my application would clearly state, "I am unable to supply a letter from my Doctor, due to his prejudiced views regarding my hobby" ! Edited November 19, 2018 by Westley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooder Posted November 19, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 My GP is rural so lots of gun owners but they are attached to a large practice in the nearby city of Canterbury large practice. Westley i am in the ""happy to do it brigade as I want an easy renewal and no aggravation, legislation were my words but maybe "a change in the rule would be more apt". 39 minutes ago, Westley said: Unfortunately, a LOT of shooters are going to be one of those "Most people are happy to do it" brigade and as such will set a precedent. I only renewed my Certificate last year, so a few years to go now, BUT, I am in an area where the local Force is using this con trick ! I already know of 1 person who is giving up his Certificate next year and THAT is what this issue is all about in the first place ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesj Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 Unfortunately I think it will need someone to take the police to court before this gets sorted out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 (edited) 28 minutes ago, Wooder said: My GP is rural so lots of gun owners but they are attached to a large practice in the nearby city of Canterbury large practice. Westley i am in the ""happy to do it brigade as I want an easy renewal and no aggravation, legislation were my words but maybe "a change in the rule would be more apt". Yes, BUT the Police just can NOT keep moving the goalposts to suit there own ends. IF it is not in the Firearms act, then they have to adhere to the rules. I have seen so much rubbish that FEO's have spouted over the years. "If you have more than 3 guns, you need window locks fitting", was one. IF you have ANY guns you are obliged to take the necessary steps to ensure their safe keeping. If you are unlucky enough to suffer the loss of a gun, then it is down to you to to explain why and how. Edited November 19, 2018 by Westley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 10 minutes ago, marmite said: shorne & isteadrise It may be worthwhile informing your shooting organisation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted November 19, 2018 Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 9 minutes ago, marmite said: that's been done basc was not very helpful Ah well, at least you tried. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooder Posted November 19, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2018 12 minutes ago, Scully said: Ah well, at least you tried. BASC was my next port of call Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reggiegun Posted November 20, 2018 Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 My mate is due his renewal from Cheshire Firearms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reggiegun Posted November 20, 2018 Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 His actual letter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooder Posted November 20, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 1 hour ago, reggiegun said: His actual letter almost identical to my letter, going to contact the BASC today to see if they can offer any help, but I am not holding my breath! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooder Posted November 20, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 Well just spoken to Kent police firearms department, the lady on the end of the phone sympathised, but they will not process any renewals without the report, she said I know it seems drastic but have thought about changing your doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted November 20, 2018 Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 15 hours ago, Wooder said: My GP is rural so lots of gun owners but they are attached to a large practice in the nearby city of Canterbury large practice. Westley i am in the ""happy to do it brigade as I want an easy renewal and no aggravation, legislation were my words but maybe "a change in the rule would be more apt". And burden the rest of us, thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rim Fire Posted November 20, 2018 Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 (edited) My mate just had his letter stating they need a Doctors report he phoned up and doctor ask for 20 quid his son in law same police force different doctor 100 quid Edited November 20, 2018 by Rim Fire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted November 20, 2018 Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 Those shooting organisation subscriptions aren't looking like good value for money at the moment are they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooder Posted November 20, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 4 minutes ago, Scully said: Those shooting organisation subscriptions aren't looking like good value for money at the moment are they? Just come off the phone BASC, got the direct number for the legal team, tried the number a few times, they must all be down the pub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mat Posted November 20, 2018 Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 14 minutes ago, Wooder said: Just come off the phone BASC, got the direct number for the legal team, tried the number a few times, they must all be down the pub. I suggest going and having the conversation with the sofa, or perhaps the kitchen sink, you'll get more sense out of them than you will BASC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackbird Posted November 20, 2018 Report Share Posted November 20, 2018 1 hour ago, Scully said: Those shooting organisation subscriptions aren't looking like good value for money at the moment are they? That's why I stopped paying mine, I had a problem & they just did not want to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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