With the cost of a shotgun certificate set to more than double to £194, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has condemned the incoming Labour Government for hiking fees without fixing the system.
The association has warned that “an inefficient system is an ineffective system” and pointed out that an ineffective system “can allow the wrong people to obtain guns”.
The Home Office in January announced rises of between 111% and 157%, to come into effect on 5 February 2025. The shotgun fee will rise by the biggest percentage, a climb of 144% from £79.50 to £194, while a firearms licence will increase from £88 to £198, a 125% increase.
The Government says the “full cost recovery” charging basis is part of its efforts to cover the increasing costs of the firearms licensing system, which has not seen fees increase since 2014.
BASC responded by criticising inefficiencies in the system, pointing out that more than a quarter of police forces are taking between one and two years to process licensing applications, delays that would be unacceptable for passports or driving licences.
BASC chief executive Ian Bell said: “The Government’s plan to raise fees without addressing the glaring inefficiencies in the system is outrageous. It appears this government is intent on alienating yet another rural constituency.
“Imposing a rise in fees without tackling these inefficiencies endangers public safety and condemns people to having to pay a premium for an inefficient service which in many cases can take years to process applications.
“There has been a complete absence of any proper consultation with stakeholders or the public, despite the fact that this has been done in the past with fee increases, and no transparency on how firearms fees are being calculated by this government.
“The public and lawful firearms owners deserve a licensing process that protects public safety and is fair, efficient, and transparent. BASC will continue to fight for a system that delivers for both public safety and the shooting community.”
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