New guidance on firearms licensing – which has been produced by the Home Office in consultation with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and others – will be published today. The guidance sets the standards to drive efficiency, consistency and reduce bureaucracy for the police and those who shoot.
Bill Harriman, BASC’s director of firearms, said: “My team has devoted a great deal of time and effort making submissions and suggestions for improvement, most of which were incorporated. I am very proud of this achievement and I believe the new Guide will bring universal benefit.”
The guidance should reduce unnecessary administration, simplify the process and takes a robust line in dealing with applicants with a history of domestic violence. It provides a baseline for the licensing process which should lead to a reduction in the inconsistency of administration that currently characterises licensing.
Bill Harriman, BASC’S director of firearms, said: “Although it is not perfect, the new Guide is a dramatic improvement on the 2002 Home Office Guidance to the Police. Firearms licensing needs to do two things: protect public safety and allow the continued lawful use of firearms, which are an essential part of the countryside. This guidance should help to achieve both of these goals.”
A copy of the updated guidance is available here: http://bit.ly/19ueGOI