Countryside Alliance to attend Home Office Firearms Licensing Group

The Home Office has launched a review of firearms licensing fees and a Working Group has been set up.

The Countryside Alliance, alongside the British Shooting Sports Council and other organisations, will be attending the first meeting in early April.

Since the last review in 2014, we have seen the system fail in many areas across the country. There are inconsistencies in the way each police force administers its duties, and as a result both licence holders and the general public have been let down.

We have always been clear that any proposed increase must be based on evidence, as they were in 2014, and that the current crisis in firearms licensing must be resolved before fees are increased. We cannot pay for a failed system.

In addition to this, we have seen licensing authorities implement cost-saving efficiencies, such as IT systems replacing paperwork. These must be costed, and the savings considered when any increase to fees are being proposed.

The police have already committed to discussions regarding a transition from a 5-year to 10-year licence. This will reduce the burden on licensing departments further, and reduce costs. Therefore, it must be included in the review.

We will keep members updated on progress.