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BASC criticises proposed 153 per cent NI licensing fee hike
BASC has criticised plans by the government in Northern Ireland, to increase all firearms licensing fees by 153 per cent. The system is administered by the Police Service of Northern Ireland Firearms and Explosives Branch (PSNI/FEB).
The proposals were revealed during a Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Justice meeting. The committee discussed Department of Justice (DoJ) plans to consult publicly on the proposed increase in fees and another proposal to add more calibers to the banded system.
The banded system is unique to Northern Ireland and allows firearm certificate holders to exchange one rifle for another, within specific bands, on a firearms dealer’s premises.
The proposal to expand the banded system is based on amendments previously submitted by BASC to the Justice Committee in 2020.
The stated objective of the fees increase is to move to full cost recovery, in line with the recommendations contained in the NI Audit Office report of September 2018. If passed into law, the proposal would see current fees increase by 153 per cent, including:
- Grant of a firearm certificate: £98 to £250
- Variation by the PSNI Chief Constable: £30 to £77
- Variation using the banded system: £15 to £38
- Firearms dealer’s certificate: £300 to £764
BASC response
Speaking after the Justice Committee meeting, BASC’s NI director Tommy Mayne said: “BASC is strongly opposed to any increase in fees without a full, transparent review of the necessary processes within firearms licensing. That review must involve BASC and our partners on the Northern Ireland Firearms Representative Group (NIFRG).
“Without clarity on the work carried out by FEB staff, it is impossible to accurately determine the true cost of the system. The PSNI also needs to agree clear processing timescales with stakeholders, and any additional income must be ringfenced for firearms licensing.
“Given the critical role licensing plays in public safety, the Chief Constable must ensure that FEB is always staffed to full capacity. That would help ensure that firearms applications are processed in a timely manner and that FEB service delivery is to the required standard.
“BASC welcomes proposals to expand the banded system, which would reduce the administrative burden on the branch and provide greater flexibility for certificate holders and dealers.
“However, our original recommendations have been cherrypicked to the extent that the current proposals will not deliver meaningful improvements.”
BASC will continue to engage with the Justice Committee, the PSNI and our partner organisations on the NIFRG, to ensure that the views of our members are considered.
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