Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to improve (a) response times and (b) consistency across the UK in such times for the renewal of firearms licences.

Under the Firearms Act 1968, which applies to England, Wales and Scotland, firearm and shotgun certificate administration is a matter for the chief officer of police for the area in which the applicant lives. The time taken to process a firearm or shotgun application can vary as the chief officer must take into account the need to manage risk and ensure public protection.

The Policing and Crime Bill, which is before Parliament, introduces a power to issue statutory guidance to the police in relation to firearms licensing. Additionally, the Bill as amended during Lords Committee provides for automatic temporary extension to the validity of expired certificates if a police decision on a timely application for renewal remains outstanding. These measures should lead to improved response times and consistency across forces.

The possession of firearms is subject to separate legislation in Northern Ireland.