Government responds to 2023 firearms licensing consultation

[Scully]

1 hour ago, Conor O'Gorman said:

Thanks for trying to raise awareness nonetheless. As we both know, after the fact, many people claim not to have heard about consultation x,y,z. 

You’re welcome. It must be very frustrating for you, I know it is for me. ☹️

Although I know it’s a pointless exercise I will continue to fill in consultations and continue campaigning.
I genuinely feel like grabbing some folk by the scruff of the neck at times due to their lethargy and indifference, especially those who whinge but can’t be ***** to do anything about it; like those in my syndicate. 

[Conor O'Gorman]

42 minutes ago, Scully said:

You’re welcome. It must be very frustrating for you, I know it is for me. ☹️

Although I know it’s a pointless exercise I will continue to fill in consultations and continue campaigning.
I genuinely feel like grabbing some folk by the scruff of the neck at times due to their lethargy and indifference, especially those who whinge but can’t be ***** to do anything about it; like those in my syndicate. 

On a positive note though many are getting involved in contacting MPs and PCCs about the state of firearms licensing and the ringfencing of fees, and that is having impact.

[Newbie to this]

Still.waiting for a reply from my MP, it's only been 4 weeks.........

I'll email the same one to my PCC, didn't think to send it to them as well.

[Conor O'Gorman]

3 hours ago, Newbie to this said:

Still.waiting for a reply from my MP, it's only been 4 weeks.........

I'll email the same one to my PCC, didn't think to send it to them as well.

Good shout, thanks.

[Conor O'Gorman]

The following interview may be of interest - some political insights on the issues from BASC's Christopher Graffius.

 

 

[Newbie to this]

Finally got a reply from my MP and she seems to bang on about BASC, even though I never mentioned them once in my email. Her reply and my email are below.

I have passed this on to politics@basc.org.uk

Dear

Thank you for contacting me about the changes to firearms licensing fees.

I understand that the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has raised concerns about the increase in fees. However, it is important to note that firearms licensing fees were last updated ten years ago. Since then, they have been significantly lower than the actual cost of providing the service.

I believe a more effective and efficient firearms licensing system is long overdue. This increase in fees will help make the system more efficient and effective, and ensure that police forces can fully cover the costs of processing firearm license applications.

I would like to reassure you that this decision was not taken lightly. It follows an impact assessment which reviewed a wide range of evidence, looking at the number of businesses, individuals and police in England, Scotland and Wales that would be affected by updating fees for firearm or shotgun licences.

The Home Office also held discussions on the fee increase with several key organisations at the Firearms Fees Working Group in 2022 and 2023. I understand the Policing Minister also met with BASC in January this year.

I understand there have been concerns raised about delays in firearms licensing by organisations like BASC, as these delays can often last for several months or years. I am therefore glad the Government has confirmed that this rise in fees will support applicants to receive a more professional service, and to help put stronger safeguards in place to protect the public from the misuse of licensed firearms.

The Government has also provided reassurance that it has had contact with Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables, clarifying that the income from increased fees must be used to support improvements in the service provided by their firearms licensing teams.

Please be assured that I will continue to support efforts to ensure that the framework for firearms licensing controls is under constant review.

Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts with me about this issue.

Yours sincerely

Lauren Edwards MP

Rochester and Strood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From:

Sent: 23 January 2025 06:41

To: EDWARDS, lauren.edwards.mp@parliament.uk

Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Firearms Licensing Fees Increases

Dear Lauren Edwards MP

I am writing to you as one of your constituents to express my concerns regarding the proposed increases to firearms licensing fees and the significant impact this could have on the countryside, rural communities, and law-abiding certificate holders like myself.

There are two key points I would like to raise regarding this proposal:

Unfounded Justification for the Fee Increase

The government has suggested that the additional funds raised from these increased fees will support improvements in firearms licensing departments. However, this claim is unfounded, as there are no mechanisms in place to ensure this happens. Responsibility for the allocation of funds lies with the Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and Chief Constables of each force, and there is no assurance that this additional revenue will actually be directed towards improving the licensing process. This raises serious concerns about whether the money will instead be diverted elsewhere, failing to address the real issues within the system.

Lack of Consultation and Transparency

The announcement of these fee increases has been made without proper consultation with stakeholders and shows a complete lack of transparency. This undermines trust in the process and fails to consider the impact on rural voters and communities, where shooting is not only a sport but also an essential part of countryside management, conservation, and the rural economy.

As certificate holders, we are now facing full cost recovery, effectively bearing the burden of a process that is necessitated not by us but by government and police requirements. While we understand the need for licensing to ensure safety and compliance, it is only fair to expect a timely and efficient service in return. This should include clear and enforceable deadlines for processing renewals and grants to avoid the undue stress and disruption currently experienced by many shooters.

The countryside depends on a fair and functional licensing system to support the responsible use of firearms in activities ranging from pest control to conservation efforts. It is essential that any changes to licensing fees are implemented transparently, with consultation and accountability to ensure the funds are used appropriately.

I urge you to raise this issue with the relevant authorities and advocate for a fairer approach that supports rural communities and ensures that certificate holders receive the service they are paying for.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely

Edited 19 hours ago by Newbie to this

[Conor O'Gorman]

2 hours ago, Newbie to this said:

Finally got a reply from my MP and she seems to bang on about BASC, even though I jever mentioned them once in my email. Her reply and my email are below.

I have passed this on to politics@basc.org.uk

Dear

 

Thank you for contacting me about the changes to firearms licensing fees.

 

I understand that the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has raised concerns about the increase in fees. However, it is important to note that firearms licensing fees were last updated ten years ago. Since then, they have been significantly lower than the actual cost of providing the service.

 

I believe a more effective and efficient firearms licensing system is long overdue. This increase in fees will help make the system more efficient and effective, and ensure that police forces can fully cover the costs of processing firearm license applications.

 

I would like to reassure you that this decision was not taken lightly. It follows an impact assessment which reviewed a wide range of evidence, looking at the number of businesses, individuals and police in England, Scotland and Wales that would be affected by updating fees for firearm or shotgun licences.

 

The Home Office also held discussions on the fee increase with several key organisations at the Firearms Fees Working Group in 2022 and 2023. I understand the Policing Minister also met with BASC in January this year.

 

I understand there have been concerns raised about delays in firearms licensing by organisations like BASC, as these delays can often last for several months or years. I am therefore glad the Government has confirmed that this rise in fees will support applicants to receive a more professional service, and to help put stronger safeguards in place to protect the public from the misuse of licensed firearms.

 

The Government has also provided reassurance that it has had contact with Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables, clarifying that the income from increased fees must be used to support improvements in the service provided by their firearms licensing teams.

 

Please be assured that I will continue to support efforts to ensure that the framework for firearms licensing controls is under constant review.

 

Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts with me about this issue.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Lauren Edwards MP

 

Rochester and Strood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From:

 

Sent: 23 January 2025 06:41

 

To: EDWARDS, lauren.edwards.mp@parliament.uk

 

Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Firearms Licensing Fees Increases

 

Dear Lauren Edwards MP

 

I am writing to you as one of your constituents to express my concerns regarding the proposed increases to firearms licensing fees and the significant impact this could have on the countryside, rural communities, and law-abiding certificate holders like myself.

 

There are two key points I would like to raise regarding this proposal:

 

Unfounded Justification for the Fee Increase

 

The government has suggested that the additional funds raised from these increased fees will support improvements in firearms licensing departments. However, this claim is unfounded, as there are no mechanisms in place to ensure this happens. Responsibility for the allocation of funds lies with the Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and Chief Constables of each force, and there is no assurance that this additional revenue will actually be directed towards improving the licensing process. This raises serious concerns about whether the money will instead be diverted elsewhere, failing to address the real issues within the system.

 

Lack of Consultation and Transparency

 

The announcement of these fee increases has been made without proper consultation with stakeholders and shows a complete lack of transparency. This undermines trust in the process and fails to consider the impact on rural voters and communities, where shooting is not only a sport but also an essential part of countryside management, conservation, and the rural economy.

 

As certificate holders, we are now facing full cost recovery, effectively bearing the burden of a process that is necessitated not by us but by government and police requirements. While we understand the need for licensing to ensure safety and compliance, it is only fair to expect a timely and efficient service in return. This should include clear and enforceable deadlines for processing renewals and grants to avoid the undue stress and disruption currently experienced by many shooters.

 

The countryside depends on a fair and functional licensing system to support the responsible use of firearms in activities ranging from pest control to conservation efforts. It is essential that any changes to licensing fees are implemented transparently, with consultation and accountability to ensure the funds are used appropriately.

 

I urge you to raise this issue with the relevant authorities and advocate for a fairer approach that supports rural communities and ensures that certificate holders receive the service they are paying for.

 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

That's most helpful, many thanks!

[Newbie to this]

2 hours ago, Conor O'Gorman said:

That's most helpful, many thanks!

No problem. If my PCC replies, I will forward that as well.

[Scully]

I haven’t contacted my MP yet as I want to find out exactly how many firearms owners he represents.