The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has praised Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council for dropping a change to their tenancy rules after representations from the shooting community, which would have affected council tenants who own licensed firearms.
The council, which manages more than 30,000 properties, had sent their tenants a letter detailing proposed changes to their tenancy conditions one of which required owners of licensed firearms to obtain the Council’s written permission to keep it in a Council property.
Following feedback from BASC, its members and the police the council has decided to drop the condition. Among its reasons is that there are dangers in keeping a database which identifies where firearms owners live.
BASC’s director of communications, Christopher Graffius, said: “The police make thorough checks before issuing licences and also check that firearms are being securely stored in accordance with the law. BASC is pleased that the Council appreciates that those engaged in shooting sports are law-abiding and responsible. The council is to be congratulated for listening to their tenants and making a common sense decision.”
ENDS