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Firearms Licensing Fee Increases

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Firearms, Government Update, British Deer Society

Firearms Licensing Fee Increases: What You Need to Know

The UK government has announced a significant increase in firearms licensing fees, set to come into effect on 5 February 2025, under the Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025. This adjustment aims to enable police forces to fully recover the costs associated with administering these licences.

Details of the Fee Changes

The revised fees are as follows:

  • Grant of a firearms certificate: £198
  • Renewal of a firearms certificate: £131
  • Grant of a shotgun certificate: £194
  • Renewal of a shotgun certificate: £126
  • Coterminous grant of firearm and shotgun certificates: £202
  • Coterminous renewal of firearm and shotgun certificates: £155
  • Registration as a firearms dealer (grant and renewal): £466
  • Replacement of lost or destroyed certificates: £9
  • Variation of a firearm certificate (not like-for-like): £47
  • Grant of a visitor’s permit (individual): £47
  • Grant of a visitor’s permit (group): £233

These adjustments represent a substantial increase from the previous fees. For example, the grant of a firearms certificate has risen from £88 to £198, and a shotgun certificate from £79.50 to £194.

Rationale Behind the Increase

The Home Office has stated that the new fees are designed to allow police forces to fully recover the costs incurred in administering firearms licences. This move is intended to ensure that the licensing process is adequately funded and operates efficiently.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Stakeholders have expressed criticism of the recent fee increase for firearms licensing. Currently, licensing is managed by individual police forces, but many argue that a centralised national system would be both more cost-effective and more efficient, providing a consistent and standardised approach.

Concerns have been raised about significant delays in processing applications, with some police forces reportedly taking between one and two years to complete the process. Stakeholders believe that any increase in fees should be directly tied to substantial improvements in service levels across Firearms Licensing Departments, ensuring all departments meet the standards of the best-performing ones.

Additionally, there has been widespread dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation during the decision-making process and the absence of transparency regarding how the new fees were determined.

Implications for Licence Holders

Individuals planning to apply for or renew firearms or shotgun certificates should be aware of the new fee structure and plan accordingly. Applications received by the police on or after 5 February 2025 will be subject to the new fees.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council advises that most forces accept renewals up to four months before the expiry date, so applicants should take this timeline into account when submitting their applications.

Conclusion

While the government’s desire to achieve full-cost recovery for firearms licensing is clear, the significant fee increases and concerns raised by stakeholders suggest that further dialogue, transparency, and consideration of moving towards a national licensing system are necessary.

Further Information

Minister’s Statement – https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2025-01-15/hcws366

Impact Assessment – fees are set out in paragraph 68. – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-firearms-licensing-fees/firearms-licensing-fees-impact-assessment-accessible

Gov. Circular –https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0012025-firearms-variation-of-fees-order-2025/circular-0012025-firearms-variation-of-fees-order-2025

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