Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Deferred
We recommend that the UK Government put in place a two-tier system of firearms licence...
Recommendation
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
Government Response 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.
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.