Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Deferred
Police forces’ resources are stretched, so it seems unsatisfactory that they bear most of the...
Conclusion
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.
Government Response 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.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
As set out in the accompanying consultation paper, the UK Government will consider this recommendation further when we consult, later this summer, on new fees for firearms licensing, which will be informed by a data collection exercise, completed earlier this year, to gather up-to-date information on the costs and time spent on licensing related activities by police force. As set out in the consultation paper, we are looking to set fees to enable full-cost recovery for the police. Income from licensing fees is crucial to ensuring that police forces have the resources they need to administer an efficient and effective licensing system and, thereby, ensure public safety.