Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 54
54
Acknowledged
Firearms licences are valid for five years.138 Before their licences lapse, individuals must apply to...
Conclusion
Firearms licences are valid for five years.138 Before their licences lapse, individuals must apply to their local police force for renewal. At that point, police review individuals’ suitability to own firearms by carrying out much the same process as for licence applications. The renewal process, however, differs slightly from the process for first-time applications. For example, police forces may determine whether it is necessary to conduct additional background checks if (for example) individuals have held firearms licences for longer than ten years, or necessary to contact individuals’ referees.139 Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some risk assessments for renewals were conducted “over the telephone, videocall or by email”140 rather than on home visits as with first-time applications - a change to practice which has been retained post-pandemic.141
Government Response Summary
The government has noted the 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.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The UK 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. As you will see, we are seeking views on this issue in the consultation paper.