Rural communities, farmers, and lawful firearms users are being urged to take part in a major consultation launched by the Department of Justice on proposed changes to firearms licensing fees and the “banded system.” The proposals include significant fee increases alongside technical changes to the banded system and could have far-reaching implications for those who rely on firearms as part of their work and daily lives.

At the centre of the debate is a proposal to increase licensing fees substantially, with some costs rising by more than 150%. The Department has indicated that this is part of a move towards full cost recovery. However, concerns have been raised that these increases are being proposed without first addressing the underlying issues within the firearms licensing system.

Help us urge MLAs to oppose any increase in firearms licensing fees until the Firearms and Explosives Branch (FEB) has been thoroughly reviewed. Specifically, MLAs should:

• Call for a full, independent review of FEB to examine all internal policies, working practices, staffing levels, and service standards, and make these public.
• Question how FEB has calculated the proposed fee increases, such as the jump from £15 to £38 for a variation under the banded system (which is now almost fully automated) or the 153% increase for the renewal or grant of an FAC from £98 to £250.
• Demand urgent action to tackle the 18-month licensing backlog affecting many FAC holders.
• Investigate the FEB deficit, which has risen from £300,000 in 2018 to approximately £2 million per year, and ensure full transparency in line with Managing Public Money, including removing any PSNI exemptions. Firearms are not a luxury for many, particularly within rural and agricultural communities, so the Department of Justice’s reliance on a full cost recovery model is inappropriate. Firearms licensing delivers wider public benefits and should not be treated solely as a private, user-pays service.
• Hold the PSNI and Department of Justice accountable for why promised efficiencies from the online system have not materialised. At one point, the service became so poor that the PSNI declared a critical incident to the Home Office, yet costs continue to rise without any corresponding improvement in service delivery.
• Ensure changes are made to the Ministerial Directive to increase the limits of what RFDs can hold.

If changes to the system are required, they must be introduced in a fair and measured way. It is not acceptable to impose drastic increases overnight to cover the shortfall of a failing system. Farmers, FAC holders who support them, and those who need firearms for safety should not be treated as an easy option to fill a budget gap.

The Countryside Alliance Ireland has previously highlighted that the system is already under significant strain, operating with a reported annual deficit of around £2 million. Rather than resolving these structural challenges, increasing fees risks shifting the burden directly onto lawful certificate holders without delivering any meaningful improvement in service. Delays, inconsistencies, and a lack of transparency continue to affect applicants, with some experiencing waiting times of 18 months or more.

These concerns are shared across the rural community. The Ulster Farmers’ Union has strongly criticised the scale of the proposed increases, warning that they would place additional financial pressure on farm businesses at a time when many are already facing rising costs. For farmers and land managers, firearms are not a discretionary expense but an essential tool used for pest control, livestock protection, and the safe management of land.

There is also concern that the consultation does not go far enough in addressing the practical realities of firearms ownership in Northern Ireland. While changes to the banded system are proposed, stakeholders argue that these adjustments do little to resolve the more pressing issues of service delivery, backlog, and system efficiency. Without meaningful reform, users will simply pay more for a system that continues to fall short.

The Countryside Alliance Ireland has been clear that reform must come before any increase in costs.

Without reform, confidence in the system is unlikely to improve. MLAs must ensure that firearms licensing is transparent, efficient, and fair before any further costs are imposed on licence holders.

This consultation represents an important opportunity for those affected to have their say. Decisions taken now will shape the future of firearms licensing in Northern Ireland, and it is vital that policymakers understand the real-world impact of their proposals on rural communities, agriculture, and lawful firearms use.

The Countryside Alliance Ireland is encouraging everyone affected, including farmers, land managers, sporting users, and certificate holders, to take part in our e-lobby campaign. Responses will be submitted to the Department of Justice and shared with elected representatives, ensuring that those making decisions are fully aware of the concerns being raised.

At a time when the system is under pressure and costs are set to rise, it is more important than ever that rural voices are heard. Taking part in the consultation is a simple but important step in ensuring that any changes are fair, proportionate, and focused on delivering a licensing system that works effectively for everyone.