More information for police under strengthened firearms licensing rules
Police will receive more information about firearms and shotgun certificate applicants and holders under new rules designed to strengthen licensing safeguards.
The changes, which come into force today (29 September), will require applicants to declare any second homes where firearms could be stored, allowing police to carry out security checks and notify another force where appropriate.
Applicants will also have to provide details of everyone living in their household.
The Home Office said this would help police identify wider safety concerns, including risks associated with domestic abuse and mental wellbeing. The rules also strengthen medical reporting requirements during the five-year life of a certificate.
Certificate holders will be required to tell police if they are diagnosed with, or receive treatment for, a relevant medical condition, or if an existing condition deteriorates.
They must also notify police if they seek treatment or advice from an online or private doctor rather than their GP.
The changes are intended to ensure firearms licensing decisions are based on the most up-to-date information available to police.
NPCC lead for firearms and explosives licensing, Chief Constable David Gardner, said it was important that police had access to “all available information” when assessing whether someone was suitable to hold a firearms licence.
He said the changes would provide a “fuller picture” of an individual’s circumstances and help police identify potential concerns.
The Home Office said the changes followed lessons identified through coroners’ findings and wider engagement with policing partners.
They build on previous measures including statutory guidance for police, mandatory medical checks, national training for forces and increases in firearms licensing fees.
Minister for Policing and Crime Sarah Jones said the new measures would help “close loopholes” in the licensing system.
The government has worked with policing partners, shooting organisations, health stakeholders and devolved administrations ahead of the changes.
A transitional period will apply for one month. Existing application forms can still be submitted until 28 October, with revised forms becoming mandatory from 29 October.