Despite new firearm and shotgun certificate application forms coming into effect on 31st December, five forces across the UK are still displaying the old forms on their website.
As well as communication from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and BASC’s dedicated firearms team the following forces remain out of date:
Cheshire Police
Cumbria Constabulary
Greater Manchester Police
Lancashire Constabulary
Northamptonshire Police
One force even refers, on its website, to new forms which “will commence on December 1, 2013”.
The old form, which is recognisable by its red text, can still be used as long as it reaches the police before 28th February 2018.
The new forms ask whether an applicant has ever been diagnosed or treated for a relevant medical condition to remove ambiguity around the previous wording.
They will apply in England, Scotland and Wales.
BASC firearms officer Mike Eveleigh said: “As well as the out of date forms it has become apparent that several police force websites are also providing out of date and at times bad advice.
“So we recommend all members use the BASC website as their main point of reference as the information and forms there are current and legally correct.
“We are working with all forces across the UK to make firearms licensing as quick and simple as possible and while we know it is an ongoing process much progress has already been made.”
Click here for all the latest information and to download the correct form.
ENDS