Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Deferred
Paragraph: 23
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 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 and time spent on licensing related activities by police force.
Paragraph Reference:
23
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Committee recommended a consultation on the introduction of a two-tier system of licensing fees, with those who use firearms for leisure purposes paying the full cost of their licence applications, and those who require firearms for work purposes paying a reduced fee. 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.