Recommendations & Conclusions
48 items
9
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Secondly, we heard concerns about the language used in the legislation and statutory guidance. Police Scotland told us that subjective language like “intemperate habits” or “unfitted to be entrusted with a firearm” caused potential for different police forces to interpret legislation differently.25
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Secondly, we heard concerns about the language used in the legislation and statutory guidance. Police Scotland told us that subjective language like “intemperate habits” or “unfitted to be entrusted with a firearm” caused potential for different police forces to interpret legislation differently.25
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on whether and how a similar form of leaflet on mental health could be made available throughout the United Kingdom and has been in discussion with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland about the work already undertaken in Scotland.
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Scotland Office
10
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Thirdly, shooting organisations like the British Association for Shooting and Conservation have expressed concerns that “there remain too many loopholes for the forces to choose from”.26 They state that this may cause inconsistencies between police forces dealing with firearms, saying “policy decisions are being made on a force-by-force basis. One …
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Thirdly, shooting organisations like the British Association for Shooting and Conservation have expressed concerns that “there remain too many loopholes for the forces to choose from”.26 They state that this may cause inconsistencies between police forces dealing with firearms, saying “policy decisions are being made on a force-by-force basis. One force might grant a variation for the very same reason another is refused”27. In written evidence, the Gun Control Network told us that loopholes are “constantly being exploited by gun manufacturers and shooting enthusiasts”.28
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Government response AI summary
The government has started a consultation for eight weeks on the recommendations made in the committee's report, the Senior Coroner's report, and the IOPC report.
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Scotland Office
11
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Finally, we heard from the Gun Control Network that “[t]he primary weakness in the regulatory system is how the licensing process is conducted”.29 The organisation stated that “the following may have contributed”30 to “failures in the process”31: “Inadequate guidance resulting in, for example, failure to require family and household members …
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Finally, we heard from the Gun Control Network that “[t]he primary weakness in the regulatory system is how the licensing process is conducted”.29 The organisation stated that “the following may have contributed”30 to “failures in the process”31: “Inadequate guidance resulting in, for example, failure to require family and household members or GPs to be consulted about any mental health problems or alcohol /drug abuse. A lack of resources resulting, for example, in failure to make home visits, to follow up public and social media concerns or to integrate police data. A cosy relationship between police and shooters resulting in, for example, a disinclination to follow up family or neighbour concerns”.32 22 Gun Control Network (FLR0020); British Association for Shooting and Conservation (FLR0015) 23 Q57 24 Q92 25 Police Scotland (FLR0011) 26 British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Why firearms licensing must be reformed, accessed 13 September 2022 27 British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Why firearms licensing must be reformed, accessed 13 September 2022 28 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 29 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 30 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 31 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 32 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 8 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland Current requirements for firearms licence applications and renewals
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Government response AI summary
The government has started a consultation for eight weeks on the recommendations made in the committee's report, the Senior Coroner's report, and the IOPC report.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
13
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
It has been said that Scotland’s system for processing firearms licence applications is “among the best in the UK”.43 While police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have experienced delays in granting and renewing firearms licences, this is not the case in Scotland.44 Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National …
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It has been said that Scotland’s system for processing firearms licence applications is “among the best in the UK”.43 While police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have experienced delays in granting and renewing firearms licences, this is not the case in Scotland.44 Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, told us that this is partly because Police Scotland (which has combined local police forces under one umbrella) can spread cases between different processing centres.45 In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, individual forces of different sizes must carry their own workload, using different approaches.46 This is, in part, because of the automated nature of Scotland’s system. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers, Strategic Firearms Commander for Police Scotland, told us that Police Scotland is “the only force in the UK”47 to introduce an automated system, which reduces the administration time involved in applications and renewals.48 Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, told us that: 33 College of Policing, Firearms licensing, accessed 14 December 2022 34 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 14 35 Home Office, Guide on firearms licensing law, December 2021, page 4 36 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 6 37 Q193 38 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 10 39 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 5 40 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 12 41 Q65 42 Unlock, Shotgun and firearms licence, accessed 15 September 2022 43 Q155 44 British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Firearms licensing inconsistencies are sym
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on the recommendations from the Committee, the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon, and the IOPC, and will bring forward a further consultation on specific Government proposals on legislation if new legislation is deemed necessary.
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Scotland Office
14
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
In Scotland, individuals pay fees of £88 for each new firearms licence application and £62 for each firearms licence renewal.51 Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, told us that “fees have not been changed for a number of years”.52 However, Rt Hon. Chris …
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In Scotland, individuals pay fees of £88 for each new firearms licence application and £62 for each firearms licence renewal.51 Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, told us that “fees have not been changed for a number of years”.52 However, Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire for the Home Office, stated that “costs [of processing applications] have gone up”53 since fees were last reviewed. Individuals applying for licences and renewals must also pay for medical assessments.54 The cost of medical assessments can vary considerably between medical practitioners.55
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government will consider fees for firearms licensing further when they consult later this summer, informed by a data collection exercise.
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Scotland Office
15
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Applicants do not pay for the full cost of their licences. The cost to the police forces processing applications and renewals is higher than the income from licence fees. Some reports state that “the cost of handling a firearms licence application by the licensing departments can differ by up to …
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Applicants do not pay for the full cost of their licences. The cost to the police forces processing applications and renewals is higher than the income from licence fees. Some reports state that “the cost of handling a firearms licence application by the licensing departments can differ by up to six times”56 - ranging from approximately £80 to over £500.57
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Government response AI summary
The government will consider this recommendation further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing, informed by a data collection exercise to gather up-to-date information on the costs, looking to set fees to enable full-cost recovery for the police.
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Scotland Office
16
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers, Strategic Firearms Commander for Police Scotland, told us that the amount generated by the licence fee “goes only a very small way towards supporting some of the costs associated with firearms licensing”.58 Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP of the Home Office told us that “[e]ffectively …
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Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers, Strategic Firearms Commander for Police Scotland, told us that the amount generated by the licence fee “goes only a very small way towards supporting some of the costs associated with firearms licensing”.58 Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP of the Home Office told us that “[e]ffectively the police, or the taxpayer more widely, are subsiding the provision of these licences”.59 For this reason, some (like Professor Peter Squires, Professor Emeritus of Criminology and Public Policy at the University of Brighton) have suggested that individuals applying for, and renewing, licences should pay the full cost of processing licences and renewals.60 Professor Squires stated that: “a full-cost licensing system, borne by shooters themselves, would enable police to devote the appropriate resources to firearm licensing and make many of the improvements (proactive and ongoing monitoring, unannounced visits, improved technology, better liaison with health agencies and wider stakeholders) that the licensing system needs”.61 The Minister told us that work is “ongoing”62 at the Home Office to “get the fees into a better place where forces are recovering the cost of running this service”.63 Currently, there is no difference in cost for those who require firearms licences for work (like gamekeepers) and those who require licences in order to shoot for pleasure. 51 Police Scotland, Firearms and shotguns, accessed 13 September 2022 52 Q145 53 Q194 54 “Gun licence delays lead to police visit for farmer”, The Packet, 19 February 2022 55 Sporting Shooter, Guidance on firearms licensing - to pay the GP or not to pay the GP?, accessed 28 November 2022 56 Politics.co.uk, Firearms licensing inconsistencies “are symptomatic of wider police failures”, accessed 13 September 2022 57 Politics.co.uk, Firearms licensing inconsistencies “are symptomatic of wider police failures”, accessed 13 September 2022 58 Q146 59 Q206 60 Professor Peter Squires (FLR0007) 61 Professor Pete
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government will consider fees for firearms licensing further when they consult later this summer, informed by a data collection exercise, with the aim of setting fees to enable full-cost recovery for the police.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
17
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Moving to a full-cost system for licence fees would free up some more resources for the police forces to spend elsewhere - including being spent on improvements to the licensing process. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers told us that “there is no doubt going forward that the pressure on Police …
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Moving to a full-cost system for licence fees would free up some more resources for the police forces to spend elsewhere - including being spent on improvements to the licensing process. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers told us that “there is no doubt going forward that the pressure on Police Scotland around resourcing is significant”64 and that individuals covering the full cost of applications and renewals “would go some way to supporting the service that we provide in relation to firearms licences”.65 For example, the country sports community have stated that there have been substantial delays in processing licence applications and renewals.66 Dr Michael North (a founding member of the Gun Control Network whose daughter was killed during the Dunblane Primary School tragedy) told us that “this is largely due to a lack of resources [ … ] because the licence fee does not cover the full cost of what the police have to carry out in order to provide an applicant with a licence”.67 We heard from numerous organisations that appropriate funding is needed, as firearms licences are important to public safety.68
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government will consider the recommendation to move to a full-cost system for license fees further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing later this summer.
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Scotland Office
18
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, told us that “[t]here is a wide range of people involved in shooting sports, from some who obviously are wealthy and can afford it to those less fortunate, but who can still enjoy the sport”.69 Dr Shedden …
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Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, told us that “[t]here is a wide range of people involved in shooting sports, from some who obviously are wealthy and can afford it to those less fortunate, but who can still enjoy the sport”.69 Dr Shedden stated that he “would be very concerned at pricing ordinary working people and retired people out of their recreational interests”.70 This may especially affect younger people and older people, who may not be able to pay as much - both Dr Shedden and Fraser Lamb, Firearms Licensing Adviser for the Scottish Association for Country Sports, told us that their organisations offer membership discounts for elderly and younger licence holders.71
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government will consider this recommendation further when they consult, later this summer, on new fees for firearms licensing, which will be informed by a data collection exercise.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
19
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
One solution could be a two-tier system of licence fees. This could require those who shoot for leisure to pay the full cost of their firearms licences (with no cost to police forces or the taxpayer), while individuals who shoot for work could have their licences fully or partly funded. …
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One solution could be a two-tier system of licence fees. This could require those who shoot for leisure to pay the full cost of their firearms licences (with no cost to police forces or the taxpayer), while individuals who shoot for work could have their licences fully or partly funded. However, Dr Shedden told us that a two-tier system of fees, differentiating between those who shoot for leisure and for work, would be “fraught with difficulty”.72 Fraser Lamb of the Scottish Association for Country Sports stated that “[a] lot of farmers shoot game recreationally—for want of a better word—so how do you differentiate between the farmer who goes out with his pals and someone who just goes driven shooting, or controls vermin, pest species on behalf of a farmer?”.73
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government will consider fees for firearms licensing further when they consult later this summer, informed by a data collection exercise, with the aim of setting fees to enable full-cost recovery for the police.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
20
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
The matter of firearms licence fees is reserved, as they are set by the Home Office. However, the Scottish Government contribute to the working group on licence fees.74 Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government who represents the 64 Q150 65 Q150 66 Fieldsports Channel, Police …
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The matter of firearms licence fees is reserved, as they are set by the Home Office. However, the Scottish Government contribute to the working group on licence fees.74 Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government who represents the 64 Q150 65 Q150 66 Fieldsports Channel, Police delay firearms licensing as livestock and wildlife suffer, accessed 15 September 2022; Shooting UK, Some police forces begin accepting new certificates again, accessed 15 September; The British Association for Shooting and Conservation, The firearms licensing crisis continues, accessed 13 September 2022 67 Q2; It should be noted that Scotland has seen fewer delays than England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In fact, the Scottish system has been called “amongst the best in the UK” (Q155) and “an exemplar” (Q66) - we were told that, in Scotland, between 99.45% (Police Scotland FLR0011) and 99.53% (Q66) of certificates were being renewed on time. 68 Professor Peter Squires (FLR0020); Q74; Q150 69 Q80 70 Q74 71 Q79 72 Q78 73 Q79 74 Q178 12 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland Dunblane area of Scotland75, stated that a full-cost system for licence fees “may help to provide further income for the police force, but I would want to make sure that we were not unduly penalising those who rely on these licences for their work”.76 The Cabinet Secretary went on to tell us that he would support “in principle”77 a two-tier system of licence fees.
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government will consider this recommendation further when they consult, later this summer, on new fees for firearms licensing, which will be informed by a data collection exercise.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
21
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP told us that he endorsed the full-cost system of licence fees - saying that “It is not really fair that the taxpayer generally or police forces subsidise a relatively small group of people” so “the funding of this service… should ultimately fall on the applicant”.78 …
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Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP told us that he endorsed the full-cost system of licence fees - saying that “It is not really fair that the taxpayer generally or police forces subsidise a relatively small group of people” so “the funding of this service… should ultimately fall on the applicant”.78 The Minister stated that, as the Home Office “want to make sure that the police are recovering their costs… [,] specific work is going on to review fees [and t]hat is a piece of work that is actively happening at the moment”79. We are pleased to hear that the UK Government is looking into this issue.
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government will consider this issue further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing later this summer.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
22
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
The Minister also told us that a review of the statutory guidance for police forces on firearms licensing is being conducted, one year after its introduction. As part of this review, licence fees are being considered. He told us that “[t]he review is being conducted broadly with that thought in …
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The Minister also told us that a review of the statutory guidance for police forces on firearms licensing is being conducted, one year after its introduction. As part of this review, licence fees are being considered. He told us that “[t]he review is being conducted broadly with that thought in mind” that “it is reasonable that [licensing] is paid for by the people needing and benefiting from the licence rather than from the general taxpayer and the public as a whole”.80
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government will consider the recommendation regarding licence fees further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing later this summer.
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Scotland Office
23
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Police forces’ resources are stretched, so it seems unsatisfactory that they bear most of the cost of processing applications for firearms licences. It would seem desirable to move towards a situation where those people seeking a licence pay a fee to cover the cost of the process that it involves.
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Police forces’ resources are stretched, so it seems unsatisfactory that they bear most of the cost of processing applications for firearms licences. It would seem desirable to move towards a situation where those people seeking a licence pay a fee to cover the cost of the process that it involves.
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Government response AI summary
The government will consider the recommendation further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing, informed by a data collection exercise to gather up-to-date information on costs, looking to set fees to enable full-cost recovery for the police.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
24
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government put in place a two-tier system of firearms licence costs. This system ought to require individuals who use firearms for leisure to pay the full cost of their licence applications, with no immediate financial cost to police forces or the taxpayer. The second tier …
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We recommend that the UK Government put in place a two-tier system of firearms licence costs. This system ought to require individuals who use firearms for leisure to pay the full cost of their licence applications, with no immediate financial cost to police forces or the taxpayer. The second tier would apply to those who use firearms for work purposes. To facilitate this, the UK Government ought to produce a list of work purposes for firearms which would entitle licence applicants to pay the second tier rate. We understand that there is a view that all firearm holders should consistently cover the cost of their own applications. However, we would err on the side of caution, and encourage a UK Government review to consider the implications that those costs might impose on those who rely on firearms for work (as well as a clear definition of ‘work’ for the purpose of clarity). Following a thorough consultation with affected parties, the UK Government would be in a better position to take a decision on whether individuals who use firearms for work could have their licences partly funded. 75 Q156 76 Q178 77 Q180 78 Q206 79 Q194 80 Q228 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland 13 3 Raising concerns The referee system
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government will consider the recommendation for a two-tier system of firearms licence costs further when they consult on new fees for firearms licensing later this summer.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
25
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Amongst other requirements as part of the licensing process, applicants must give the police character references from two referees who must have known them for at least two years81 and be “of good character”.82 Police will contact at least one referee - whether by telephone, e-mail or home visit.83 Licence …
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Amongst other requirements as part of the licensing process, applicants must give the police character references from two referees who must have known them for at least two years81 and be “of good character”.82 Police will contact at least one referee - whether by telephone, e-mail or home visit.83 Licence holders may change their referees between their original application and renewal. We have heard about several issues with the referee system, as it stands, which have been raised in written and oral evidence.
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and in Prevention of Future Deaths reports.
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Scotland Office
26
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
By requiring applicants to provide proof that they are considered “fit to be entrusted with a firearm”84, the referee system currently in place was installed with the aim of protecting public safety and the peace. This is the principal consideration in firearms licensing regulations.85 We heard that police forces will …
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By requiring applicants to provide proof that they are considered “fit to be entrusted with a firearm”84, the referee system currently in place was installed with the aim of protecting public safety and the peace. This is the principal consideration in firearms licensing regulations.85 We heard that police forces will investigate when licence holders change referees between their original application and renewal. Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, stated that police “ask existing referees is there any reason why they have not acted as a referee this time” as this could indicate “serious issues”.86 Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, told us that it is important to check the reason for which applicants have changed referees - police “are mindful that when a referee change is made, that does prompt questioning about why that might be the case … . we may still go back to speak to one of the original referees to see whether there has been some sort of change in the dynamic or relationship, and to try to understand why that may be the case”.87
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and in Prevention of Future Deaths reports.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
27
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
During this inquiry, we heard about several problematic issues with the referee system. Firstly, Reverend Gordon Matheson (pastor of the Free Church of Scotland at Sleat and Strath on the Isle of Skye) told us that “canvassing for favourable character references is one of the things people found very difficult”.88 …
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During this inquiry, we heard about several problematic issues with the referee system. Firstly, Reverend Gordon Matheson (pastor of the Free Church of Scotland at Sleat and Strath on the Isle of Skye) told us that “canvassing for favourable character references is one of the things people found very difficult”.88 Reverend Matheson noted his concern that “you can trawl around as long as you like until you find a couple of people willing to give you a reference”.89 Moreover, Fraser Lamb, Firearms Licensing Adviser for the Scottish Association for Country Sports (who was formerly the Head of Firearms Licensing for Police Scotland) told us that he sees “no benefit to having a referee”90, saying “[y]ou are going to ask your pals who are going to give it to you. You are not going to ask someone who is not going to give you a reference. In the four years that I was a firearms licenser, there was only one occasion when the referee raised a concern”.91
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and in Prevention of Future Deaths reports.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
28
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We also heard concerns about applicants putting pressure on people to provide references. Reverend Gordon Matheson told us that people in more remote and rural 81 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 6 82 Q193 83 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance …
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We also heard concerns about applicants putting pressure on people to provide references. Reverend Gordon Matheson told us that people in more remote and rural 81 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 6 82 Q193 83 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 6 84 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 22 85 Home Office, Statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing, accessed 27 October 86 Q88 87 Q128 88 Q33 89 Q33 90 Q84 91 Q84 14 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland areas may feel peer pressure to give positive references, if asked.92 He told us that, in smaller communities, “[t]he sense that you are helping out somebody I think does create an awful lot of pressure to give a favourable reference when you may have reservations”.93
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, noting similar issues were raised by the IOPC and in reports issued by the Senior Coroner.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
30
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, stated that “[t]he issue of [ … ..] shopping for referees is an important one”.98 To combat this issue, the Cabinet Secretary suggested that “one way you could go is a statutory duty to report if somebody asked you …
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Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, stated that “[t]he issue of [ … ..] shopping for referees is an important one”.98 To combat this issue, the Cabinet Secretary suggested that “one way you could go is a statutory duty to report if somebody asked you for a reference that you didn’t want to give”.99 However, the Cabinet Secretary warned against a Canadian-style system of firearms licensing, in which conjugal partners are required to countersign licence applications, stating that “[a] partner who has been subject to domestic abuse, for example, could be intimidated into providing a good reference, to allow somebody to get a licence”.100
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Government response AI summary
The government is seeking views in a consultation paper regarding interviewing partners and household members of those certificate holders or applicants with a record of violence and will look again at making the advice on domestic abuse clearer.
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Scotland Office
32
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
The referee system has merit in protecting public safety and the peace; but we have significant concerns about the referee system for the firearms licensing process, which must be addressed before it is fit for purpose. These include concerns about applicants 92 Q34 93 Q34 94 Royal Canadian Mounted Police, …
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The referee system has merit in protecting public safety and the peace; but we have significant concerns about the referee system for the firearms licensing process, which must be addressed before it is fit for purpose. These include concerns about applicants 92 Q34 93 Q34 94 Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Licence renewal for individuals, accessed 27 October 2022 95 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 12 96 Q126 97 The Home Office’s statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police on firearms licensing strongly emphasises the need to ensure that perpetrators of domestic abuse are not granted firearms licences. The statutory guidance states that “evidence of domestic abuse is one of the most serious factors that should be taken into consideration in assessing an application” (page 11, section 2.46). 98 Q188 99 Q188 100 Q187 101 Q193 102 Q193; A list of recognised professions accepted for countersignatories of passport applications can be found on GOV.UK, Countersigning passport applications and photos, accessed 28 November 2022 103 Q193 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland 15 canvassing for referees, and lack of mandatory consultation with people close to firearms licence applicants. We heard from a former Head of Firearms Licensing for Police Scotland that he “saw no practical merit in having referees”.104
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
36
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
As the Scottish Government told us: “The purpose of firearms licensing regulation is to protect public safety”.106 It is important for public safety that people can raise concerns about individuals who own, or are applying to own, firearms - for example, to express concerns about someone’s mental health.107 It is …
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As the Scottish Government told us: “The purpose of firearms licensing regulation is to protect public safety”.106 It is important for public safety that people can raise concerns about individuals who own, or are applying to own, firearms - for example, to express concerns about someone’s mental health.107 It is also important that people can raise these concerns anonymously. We have heard that it is “a fact that neighbours may be reluctant to notify the authorities about any suspicions that a license holder or otherwise might not now be suitable to possess weapons” as there is “a danger that reporting concerns might cause a backlash”.108 104 Q84 105 The Home Office’s statutory guidance on firearms licensing for Chief Officers of Police (published on 1 November 2021) sets out suitability requirements in Chapter 3. 106 Scottish Government (FLR0019) 107 Q22 108 Robert David Ware (FLR0017) 16 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland
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Government response AI summary
The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service in an accompanying consultation paper, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced and how it might be funded.
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Scotland Office
37
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Currently, there are several ways in which people can report concerns to the police. One way is to call the 101 service for non-emergency incidents. Fraser Lamb, Firearms Licensing Adviser for the Scottish Association for Country Sports, told us that police will ask firearms licence applicants’ referees: “‘Would you know …
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Currently, there are several ways in which people can report concerns to the police. One way is to call the 101 service for non-emergency incidents. Fraser Lamb, Firearms Licensing Adviser for the Scottish Association for Country Sports, told us that police will ask firearms licence applicants’ referees: “‘Would you know who to phone if you had concerns about the person?’ … trying to elicit the answer ‘Dial 101’”.109 An alternative, which Superintendent Steven Duncan, Head of National Firearms and Explosives Licensing for Police Scotland, told us is for people to contact the police using an online portal.110 A third way is to call the charity, Crimestoppers - Superintendent Duncan noted that one advantage of Crimestoppers is that people “can raise information or intelligence anonymously”.111
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the recommendation about creating a new reporting service and are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
38
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We have, however, also heard calls for a dedicated hotline to augment these existing ways to contact the police, which people could use to report concerns about firearms owners anonymously. Dr Michael North, a founding member of the Gun Control Network, stated that “it is sometimes very difficult”112 to contact …
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We have, however, also heard calls for a dedicated hotline to augment these existing ways to contact the police, which people could use to report concerns about firearms owners anonymously. Dr Michael North, a founding member of the Gun Control Network, stated that “it is sometimes very difficult”112 to contact the police using existing helplines. For this reason, Dr North told us that the Gun Control Network has advocated for “a separate hotline for concerns about a gun owner”.113 Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers, Strategic Firearms Commander for Police Scotland, corroborated this, saying that “there are challenges and strains put on that system [the 101 service]”114, so “Police Scotland would be open to” a hotline which would “enhance firearms licence reporting”.115
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the recommendation about creating a new reporting service and are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
39
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Several witnesses have told us that establishing a new hotline may not be necessary, as there are other existing ways to raise concerns. For example, Assistant Chief Constable Spiers told us that already “there are a range of ways in which we encourage family, friends and clubs to make contact …
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Several witnesses have told us that establishing a new hotline may not be necessary, as there are other existing ways to raise concerns. For example, Assistant Chief Constable Spiers told us that already “there are a range of ways in which we encourage family, friends and clubs to make contact with us [the police]”.116 As noted by Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Government, these ways include “on the ground, if local community police officers are around, but also online … Above that, people know the contact number for the police in Scotland [101]”.117 Therefore, Superintendent Duncan stated, while there is “definite merit in trying to encourage reporting… There are probably other opportunities, such as advertising how you make direct contact with the police”118 using existing helplines.
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Government response AI summary
The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose, via a consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
40
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We have heard that there may be challenges involved with establishing and advertising a new hotline. One challenge may be resourcing. Assistant Chief Constable Spiers told us that there are “a number of challenges that Police Scotland would face depending on the future funding of Police Scotland”119, which may make …
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We have heard that there may be challenges involved with establishing and advertising a new hotline. One challenge may be resourcing. Assistant Chief Constable Spiers told us that there are “a number of challenges that Police Scotland would face depending on the future funding of Police Scotland”119, which may make it difficult to fund another service. Another challenge may be difficulty embedding a new hotline into public consciousness. 109 Q85 110 Q140; Police Scotland’s online portal for reporting crime can be found here: https://www.scotland.police.uk/ secureforms/c3/ 111 Q140 112 Q15 113 Q15 114 Q142 115 Q144 116 Q125 117 Q186 118 Q124 119 Q142 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland 17 The Cabinet Secretary stated that helplines like the 999 and 101 services already “are well known”120 so, to make a new hotline effective, “you would have to advertise it strongly to ensure that people are aware of it and that it gets into people’s consciousness”.121
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the recommendation about creating a new reporting service and are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
41
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
However, the Cabinet Secretary further told us that - while “We should always keep an open mind on these things” - “I am not sure that a hotline would add a great deal”.122 The Cabinet Secretary stated that there are “ways in which people can already get in touch with …
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However, the Cabinet Secretary further told us that - while “We should always keep an open mind on these things” - “I am not sure that a hotline would add a great deal”.122 The Cabinet Secretary stated that there are “ways in which people can already get in touch with the police, which is a straightforward thing to do”123 so “there may be a case for just generally ensuring that people are aware that they can contact the police if they have to, rather than creating a specific hotline”.124
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Government response AI summary
The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service in an accompanying consultation paper, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced and how it might be funded.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
42
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We heard that, previously, the Home Office have participated in discussions about establishing a hotline. Dr Michael North told us that the Gun Control Network “have talked to the Home Office about it and it looked as though there may have been money set aside for it… but it never …
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We heard that, previously, the Home Office have participated in discussions about establishing a hotline. Dr Michael North told us that the Gun Control Network “have talked to the Home Office about it and it looked as though there may have been money set aside for it… but it never happened”.125 In oral evidence, Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP of the Home Office stated that the “benefit [of a dedicated hotline] is a public-badged place to go”.126 However, the Minister warned that a new hotline not only “would somewhat duplicate existing channels” which people can use to express concerns to police127, but also would involve “additional cost”.128
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Government response AI summary
The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose, via a consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
43
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
A single, dedicated channel for reporting concerns about people who own, or are applying to own, firearms could make that process simpler and easier. However, a dedicated hotline may be too difficult to resource and we are very much aware of the challenges around advertising such a new hotline, such …
Read more
A single, dedicated channel for reporting concerns about people who own, or are applying to own, firearms could make that process simpler and easier. However, a dedicated hotline may be too difficult to resource and we are very much aware of the challenges around advertising such a new hotline, such as resourcing that advertisement and endeavouring to embed any new channel in the public consciousness.
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the recommendation about creating a new reporting service and are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
44
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We therefore recommend that the UK Government conduct a review investigating the merits of creating a new service within the 101 service, which could direct callers towards call-handlers with firearms expertise (in the same way as the lifeboat and mountain rescue services are reached via the 999 emergency control centre). …
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We therefore recommend that the UK Government conduct a review investigating the merits of creating a new service within the 101 service, which could direct callers towards call-handlers with firearms expertise (in the same way as the lifeboat and mountain rescue services are reached via the 999 emergency control centre). This would allow people close to a firearms licence applicant to raise concerns about their suitability to be granted or to renew firearms licences – for example, if there were concerns about the individual’s mental health.
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Government response AI summary
The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose, via a consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
46
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Any such review ought to include a survey of the public, to ascertain the public’s general understanding of how to use existing methods to raise concerns to the police. 120 Q186 121 Q185 122 Q185-Q186 123 Q185 124 Q185 125 Q23 126 Q215 127 Q215 128 Q215 18 Firearms licensing …
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Any such review ought to include a survey of the public, to ascertain the public’s general understanding of how to use existing methods to raise concerns to the police. 120 Q186 121 Q185 122 Q185-Q186 123 Q185 124 Q185 125 Q23 126 Q215 127 Q215 128 Q215 18 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland With access to this data, Governments would be able to make informed, evidence-based decisions about how best to provide reporting services for firearms. We recommend that the UK Government consider advertising current methods of reporting more widely, so that people are more aware of the various existing ways in which they can raise concerns. Unique reference numbers
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Government response AI summary
The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose, via a consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
47
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We heard (for example, from Reverend Gordon Matheson) that people close to an individual may not know that they own, or are applying to own, firearms.129 This lack of knowledge may prevent family and friends from reporting concerns about an individual who is not best placed to own firearms (for …
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We heard (for example, from Reverend Gordon Matheson) that people close to an individual may not know that they own, or are applying to own, firearms.129 This lack of knowledge may prevent family and friends from reporting concerns about an individual who is not best placed to own firearms (for example, because of poor mental health).
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Government response AI summary
The government is seeking views in a consultation paper regarding interviewing partners and household members of certificate holders or applicants with a record of violence and will look again at making the advice on domestic abuse clearer.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
48
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
It has been suggested that these issues could be addressed by assigning unique reference numbers to firearms licence applications and renewal applications. Police forces in the UK already give application numbers to applicants and certificate numbers to people who have been granted firearms licences130, and personal identification numbers and application …
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It has been suggested that these issues could be addressed by assigning unique reference numbers to firearms licence applications and renewal applications. Police forces in the UK already give application numbers to applicants and certificate numbers to people who have been granted firearms licences130, and personal identification numbers and application reference numbers are used already by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as part of Northern Ireland’s firearms licensing process.131 Assigning unique reference numbers in this way means that firearms licence applicants in the UK could share their unique application number with people whom they approach to be referees.
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
50
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
So that concerns can be raised at the earliest opportunity, Reverend Gordon Matheson suggested that people seeking a reference should need to provide potential referees with their unique application reference number.132 This would mean that, if someone has concerns about an application which is in the process of being made, …
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So that concerns can be raised at the earliest opportunity, Reverend Gordon Matheson suggested that people seeking a reference should need to provide potential referees with their unique application reference number.132 This would mean that, if someone has concerns about an application which is in the process of being made, “their concerns can be relayed in connection to the reference for the application that is being made”.133 Having a unique reference number related to a specific application could be useful at any stage of the licensing process - whether someone has concerns on being asked for a reference, or whether they develop concerns after a firearms licence has been granted.
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
51
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We heard from several witnesses that it is important that reference numbers would not be related to an openly available register of firearms. Reverend Gordon Matheson stated that “for good reasons… you don’t want public awareness of who everyone with a firearm is”.134 Similarly, Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for …
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We heard from several witnesses that it is important that reference numbers would not be related to an openly available register of firearms. Reverend Gordon Matheson stated that “for good reasons… you don’t want public awareness of who everyone with a firearm is”.134 Similarly, Dr Colin Shedden, Director Scotland for the British Association of Shooting and Conservation, told us that “our members would be slightly concerned if their names were to be put on a public register”135 as “from a public safety perspective, it is better that people do not know that guns are stored in private houses”.136 129 Q33 130 GOV.UK, Firearms licensing supporting documents, accessed 9 December 2022; Home Office, Guide on firearms licensing law, November 2022, page 80 131 Police Service of Northern Ireland, Request a firearms licence, accessed 7 December 2022 132 Q33 133 Q33 134 Q42 135 Q76 136 Q76 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland 19
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Government response AI summary
The response redirects the focus to the review of referees in the firearms licensing process, noting similar issues raised by the IOPC and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon and stating that they are consulting on possible changes.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
52
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
It would be valuable to have a single, simple means by which to identify people applying for a firearms licence about whom concerns have been raised, to assist police when investigating these concerns.
Government response AI summary
The government is seeking views on creating a new reporting service in an accompanying consultation paper, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced and how it might be funded.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
53
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that, when approaching potential referees, applicants would be required by police to share their unique application reference numbers with those referees. This would make it simpler to report concerns about applicants to the police. Such a system would be valuable both for those who decline to give references, …
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We recommend that, when approaching potential referees, applicants would be required by police to share their unique application reference numbers with those referees. This would make it simpler to report concerns about applicants to the police. Such a system would be valuable both for those who decline to give references, and for those who give references but subsequently become concerned that applicants might no longer meet the statutory guidance’s suitability requirements.137 We recommend that the UK Government raise this recommendation with the Scottish Government, during their review of statutory guidance and best practice. Length of time between renewals
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process, as similar issues were raised by the IOPC and the Senior Coroner for Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
56
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We heard in evidence about some of the potential benefits of shortening the length of time before a renewal was required. Dr Michael North (a founding member of the Gun Control Network) told us that the Gun Control Network “would certainly argue in favour of a shorter period… [because] some …
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We heard in evidence about some of the potential benefits of shortening the length of time before a renewal was required. Dr Michael North (a founding member of the Gun Control Network) told us that the Gun Control Network “would certainly argue in favour of a shorter period… [because] some of the personal circumstances of gun owners are likely to change, in some cases quite significantly, over a period of five years—relationship 137 The Home Office’s statutory guidance on firearms licensing for Chief Officers of Police (published on 1 November 2021) sets out suitability requirements in Chapter 3. 138 Metropolitan Police, Firearms licensing fees, accessed 14 September 139 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 13 and page 6 140 Home Office, Firearms licensing: statutory guidance for Chief Officers of Police, December 2021, page 5 141 Q71 142 These include the Gun Control Network (The National, Dunblane victim’s dad calls for stricter gun laws after Skye shooting, accessed 13 September 2022) and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (Shooting UK, BASC: the case for ten year shotgun and firearms certificates, accessed 15 September 2022). 143 Gun Control Network (FLR0020) 144 British Association for Shooting and Conservation (FLR0015) 20 Firearms licensing regulations in Scotland changes; problems with drug and alcohol abuse”.145 The Gun Control Network has called for licences to be renewed every two to three years, echoing Belgium’s and Brazil’s firearms licensing process.146
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the committee's recommendation to keep the five-year renewal period under review and is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
59
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Overall, there is no general agreement on whether the current five-year renewal period should be shortened or lengthened. This means that there may be little value in changing it. Presently, Superintendent Duncan stated, “the reality is that a large majority of the renewals pass through the system without any further …
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Overall, there is no general agreement on whether the current five-year renewal period should be shortened or lengthened. This means that there may be little value in changing it. Presently, Superintendent Duncan stated, “the reality is that a large majority of the renewals pass through the system without any further refusals or revocations, and only about 2% do not progress”157, suggesting that the current renewal period is working adequately on an individual basis. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Spiers, Strategic Firearms Commander for Police Scotland, summarised the position, saying that “the five- year renewal programme is about right”.158
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the Committee’s recommendation that the current renewal period of five years remain in place but that it should be kept under review and is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
61
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire for the Home Office, summarised the advantages and disadvantages of shortening and lengthening the firearms licence renewal period: “If the length of time were reduced, it would catch change in circumstances faster but, equally, it would impose a higher …
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Rt Hon. Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire for the Home Office, summarised the advantages and disadvantages of shortening and lengthening the firearms licence renewal period: “If the length of time were reduced, it would catch change in circumstances faster but, equally, it would impose a higher burden on the police operationally and additional administration on the person who holds the firearms certificate. Conversely, if it was lengthened, for example to 10 years, it would reduce the bureaucratic burden on the police and the firearms holder, it would reduce cost, but it would increase the chance that there was some change in circumstance that did not get caught”.164
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the committee's recommendation that the current renewal period of five years remain in place, but is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
62
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
The Minister told us that “[i]t is a balance… [t]he balance is currently struck at five years”.165 He suggested that the Home Office would be willing to consider reviewing the firearms licence renewal period, saying: “we are very happy to look at evidence arguing both ways… I would be very …
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The Minister told us that “[i]t is a balance… [t]he balance is currently struck at five years”.165 He suggested that the Home Office would be willing to consider reviewing the firearms licence renewal period, saying: “we are very happy to look at evidence arguing both ways… I would be very interested to see that in your report and see what the Committee suggests”.166
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Government response AI summary
The government has noted the committee's recommendation that the current renewal period of five years remain in place, but is seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
87
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government and Scottish Government work together to investigate the merits of medical practitioners and police conducting interim checks on firearms licence holders. These checks would take place between licence application and renewal. Interim checks would allow police to observe more accelerated changes in individuals’ mental …
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We recommend that the UK Government and Scottish Government work together to investigate the merits of medical practitioners and police conducting interim checks on firearms licence holders. These checks would take place between licence application and renewal. Interim checks would allow police to observe more accelerated changes in individuals’ mental health, which might affect their suitability to own firearms during the life of their licences. Buddy initiatives
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Government response AI summary
The government is seeking views on the merits of medical practitioners and police conducting interim checks on firearms licence holders in the consultation paper and highlighted the existing digital marker program.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
98
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government support the shooting community in advertising avenues to mental health support, to build on the recent release of leaflets about mental health in that community. We recommend that the UK Government ask the Scottish Government to join this effort in advertising mental health services …
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We recommend that the UK Government support the shooting community in advertising avenues to mental health support, to build on the recent release of leaflets about mental health in that community. We recommend that the UK Government ask the Scottish Government to join this effort in advertising mental health services to shooters, and distributing materials such as the mental health leaflets produced by shooting organisations. Impact on remote rural communities
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Government response AI summary
The UK Government is consulting on whether and how a similar form of leaflet on mental health could be made available throughout the United Kingdom, and has been in discussion with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland about the work already undertaken in Scotland.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
99
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
The tragic incident on the Isle of Skye highlighted the particular challenges faced by rural communities traumatised by fatal shootings. In relation to mental health generally, the British Shooting Sports Council told us that “the isolation inherent in some rural communities and occupations is well known to represent an area …
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The tragic incident on the Isle of Skye highlighted the particular challenges faced by rural communities traumatised by fatal shootings. In relation to mental health generally, the British Shooting Sports Council told us that “the isolation inherent in some rural communities and occupations is well known to represent an area of concern”.236 Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice for the Scottish Parliament, corroborated this, saying “there are questions around [mental health], especially in small and rural communities”.237
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on whether and how a leaflet on mental health could be made available throughout the United Kingdom, and is in discussion with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland about the work already undertaken in Scotland.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
1
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
Police forces’ resources are stretched, so it seems unsatisfactory that they bear most of the cost of processing applications for firearms licences. It would seem desirable to move towards a situation where those people seeking a licence pay a fee to cover the cost of the process that it involves.
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Police forces’ resources are stretched, so it seems unsatisfactory that they bear most of the cost of processing applications for firearms licences. It would seem desirable to move towards a situation where those people seeking a licence pay a fee to cover the cost of the process that it involves.
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Government response AI summary
The government stated that it will consider the recommendation for a two-tier system of licensing fees further when they consult, later this summer, on new fees for firearms licensing, which will be informed by a data collection exercise to gather up-to-date information on the costs …
Read full response →
Scotland Office
2
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government put in place a two-tier system of firearms licence costs. This system ought to require individuals who use firearms for leisure to pay the full cost of their licence applications, with no immediate financial cost to police forces or the taxpayer. The second tier …
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We recommend that the UK Government put in place a two-tier system of firearms licence costs. This system ought to require individuals who use firearms for leisure to pay the full cost of their licence applications, with no immediate financial cost to police forces or the taxpayer. The second tier would apply to those who use firearms for work purposes. To facilitate this, the UK Government ought to produce a list of work purposes for firearms which would entitle licence applicants to pay the second tier rate. We understand that there is a view that all firearm holders should consistently cover the cost of their own applications. However, we would err on the side of caution, and encourage a UK Government review to consider the implications that those costs might impose on those who rely on firearms for work (as well as a clear definition of ‘work’ for the purpose of clarity). Following a thorough consultation with affected parties, the UK Government would be in a better position to take a decision on whether individuals who use firearms for work could have their licences partly funded. (Paragraph 24) Raising concerns
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Government response AI summary
The government will consider the recommendation for a two-tier system of licensing fees further when consulting on new fees for firearms licensing later this summer, which will be informed by a data collection exercise.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
4
Recommendation
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government conduct a review of the referee system, to determine whether it is fit for purpose. This review ought to address the issue of individuals canvassing for positive references, or putting pressure on people to give positive references (for example, by engaging in the peer …
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We recommend that the UK Government conduct a review of the referee system, to determine whether it is fit for purpose. This review ought to address the issue of individuals canvassing for positive references, or putting pressure on people to give positive references (for example, by engaging in the peer pressuring behaviours which may be experienced in smaller communities, or coercion as a feature of domestic violence). This review should also address the options open to police when individuals change referees between application and renewal, and between subsequent renewals. While policy relating to the police is generally a devolved matter, the UK Government ought to be looking to share best practice with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland.
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Government response AI summary
The government is consulting on possible changes to the role and participation of referees in the firearms licensing process.
Read full response →
Scotland Office
7
Conclusion
Third Report - Firearms licensing regul…
Deferred
A single, dedicated channel for reporting concerns about people who own, or are applying to own, firearms could make that process simpler and easier. However, a dedicated hotline may be too difficult to resource and we are very much aware of the challenges around advertising such a new hotline, such …
Read more
A single, dedicated channel for reporting concerns about people who own, or are applying to own, firearms could make that process simpler and easier. However, a dedicated hotline may be too difficult to resource and we are very much aware of the challenges around advertising such a new hotline, such as resorcing that advertisement and endeavouring to embed any new channel in the public consciousness.
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government has noted the recommendation around creating a new reporting service and is seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper.
Read full response →
Scotland Office