
Firearms licensing issues raised with PCC candidates
BASC’s political team have contacted all PCC candidates in the run up to 6 May elections, highlighting the current lack of consistency across UK police forces around firearms licensing.
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Apply for funding for your project or make a donation today
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
A commitment to tackle firearms licensing delays made during a meeting between BASC and Cumbria police has been reinforced at a follow-up meeting between the two parties.
Cumbria police revealed during the latest meeting with BASC that it is making rapid progress and has reduced its backlog of renewals by 57 per cent since the introduction of new resources in April.
An initial meeting with the Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary resulted in a commitment by the force to provide additional resources to firearms licensing in the region.
BASC’s head of firearms Martin Parker met with Superintendent Andy Wilkinson and Chief Inspector Lee Skelton last week for a follow-up meeting where he was reassured that the force is still on track to cut its backlog and the officers underlined the force’s commitment to hitting the following targets:
Mr Parker said: “I was delighted to be invited back again and appreciate the clear commitment to improving the licensing process this demonstrated.
“The progress the force has made in such a short space of time clearly shows that if you put the resources in, improvements can be made.
“I look forward to engaging with the new Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria at the first possible opportunity. BASC remains ready to provide any assistance with training that the force may find useful.”
For more advice and guidance on firearms and firearms licensing, head to our dedicated pages here.
BASC’s political team have contacted all PCC candidates in the run up to 6 May elections, highlighting the current lack of consistency across UK police forces around firearms licensing.
BASC’s Martin Parker is urging firearms licensing authorities to follow the forensic science’s model of independent regulation and accreditation.
BASC has called for an urgent meeting with the Policing Minister following the Home Office’s announcement of plans to increase firearms licensing fees.
Sign up to our weekly newsletter and get all the latest updates straight to your inbox.
© 2025 British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Registered Office: Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham, LL12 0HL – Registered Society No: 28488R. BASC is a trading name of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under firm reference number 311937.
BASC Direct Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Agria Pet Insurance Ltd who administer the insurance and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria Pet Insurance is registered and incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 04258783. Registered office: First Floor, Blue Leanie, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QW. Agria insurance policies are underwritten by Agria Försäkring.
If you have any questions or complaints about your BASC membership insurance cover, please email us. More information about resolving complaints can be found on the FCA website or on the EU ODR platform.
Notifications