BASC condemns proposed firearms fees hike as a threat to public safety
BASC has condemned the government’s decision to increase firearms licensing fees to full-cost recovery without fixing the inefficiencies undermining the current system.
Rural livelihoods at risk due to firearms fees hike, says BASC
BASC has warned that the government’s decision to significantly increase firearms licensing fees poses a threat to rural livelihoods and fails to deal with gross inefficiencies which in many cases provides an unacceptable service.
Effective from February 2025, the increases to firearms licensing fees include a 111 per cent rise for firearms certificate renewals and a 157 per cent rise for shotgun certificate renewals, with no explanation provided for how these figures were calculated. On average, fees will rise by 133 per cent – far exceeding the rate of inflation.
BASC is also warning that such steep hikes risk pricing working people out of shooting sports, while undermining vital pest control and conservation work carried out in the countryside. “For many who work in rural areas, owning a firearm is not a luxury, but an important tool of the job” said BASC chief executive, Ian Bell.
Adding to the financial burden on applicants is the cost of mandatory medical verification introduced since the last fee increase, which can range from £50 to £300, further inflating the cost at a time when household budgets are already feeling the strain.
Mr Bell added: “This fee hike fails to address the glaring inefficiencies in the firearms licensing system. It will price many people out of lawful shooting activities, alienating rural communities and threatening essential conservation and pest control work.
“We have already been inundated with messages from people who are asking why they are asked to pay above inflation for a failing service. Many have shared with us their frustrations about having to pay more for a service which in many cases makes them wait between one and two years to have their applications processed.
“The government has provided no transparency on how these figures were calculated and has ignored calls for reforms to create a fair and efficient licensing process. Public safety and responsible firearms ownership should go hand in hand, but this decision achieves neither.”
What is the government proposing?
Below is the table of proposed firearms licensing fees, effective from February 2025.
BASC has called on the government to reconsider this approach and provide transparency and a balanced system that protects public safety without penalising lawful firearms owners. The organisation continues to engage with senior policymakers and rural MPs to advocate for meaningful reforms.
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