Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 42
42
Deferred
We heard that, previously, the Home Office have participated in discussions about establishing a hotline.
Conclusion
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
Government Response 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.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The UK Government has noted the Committee’s recommendation around creating a new reporting service where members of the public can register concerns about certificate holders. We are seeking views on this in the accompanying consultation paper, including whether a specific phoneline should be introduced, how this might be funded, or whether the existing services offer a better way to achieve the purpose.