November saw BASC’s firearms team deal with more members’ requests in a month than ever before.
Their 1,067 calls, emails and letters were made up of a range of issues, although delays in licensing and medical issues once again made up the majority.
The team deals with all aspects of firearms – technical, legal, practical or forensic – and offers confidential advice based on law or sustainable legal opinion.
The team also met with five different police forces during November and the Home Office, to highlight issues raised by BASC’s membership of more than 150,000.
BASC firearms officer Mike Eveleigh said: “This time last year saw an unprecedented rise in calls, as we dealt with more than 1,000 requests for help and advice in a month for the first time. Those numbers did begin to level out as we worked with more and more police forces to reduce delays in the process of granting or renewing firearm or shotgun certificates.
“However, 2017 has seen an even higher demand on the firearms team, but we are fortunate to have recruited two new members of staff.
“Their expertise and experience has helped us to cope with the highest recorded monthly figure for requests for help and advice from our members – November, when we dealt with 1,067.”
Peter Glenser, BASC chairman and a barrister who specialises in firearms law, added:
“While it is disappointing that we are still talking about the delays to waiting times for certificates and renewals and we are still having so many members affected by them, the strides our firearms team are making is to be applauded.
“The eight-strong team all have vast experience and are all working hard on behalf of the members to ensure a better service moving forward.”
The firearms team can be reached on 01244 573010, with members urged to leave a message if they struggle to get through. For more details of its services, click here (http://0ld.basc.org.uk/firearms/).
ENDS