Firearms licensing

Darryl Preston writes:

Chief Constables are responsible in law for firearms licensing decisions in their force – they grant and authorise firearm and shotgun certificates.

• Certificates are given to applicants with a good reason for possessing a firearm or shotgun and who are assessed as suitable.

I acknowledge the concerns raised regarding the recent delays in firearms licencing renewal applications and have been actively engaging with the Chief Constable to address this matter promptly.

• We are fully aware of the issue and he is implementing measures to improve the situation.
• The delays stem from the implementation of new Statutory Guidance by the Home Office in February 2023, coupled with updated professional practice standards from the College of Policing in August 2023 following tragic cases involving firearms licence holders, including the Plymouth shootings in 2021.

Additional requirements

These changes introduced additional requirements for assessing the suitability of applicants for firearms licenses, leading to a surge in demand on licensing units across all police forces, including Cambridgeshire.

Efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of the combined Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire firearms licencing unit to meet these new demands, including additional recruitment, and the allocation of additional budgetary resources – which have been made permanent in the 2024/25 budget.

Furthermore, the introduction of a new case management system and the establishment of an Independent Advisory Group are planned, aimed at streamlining processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

I understand the importance of timely processing of applications and give assurance every effort is being made to address the situation.

Please be assured this matter remains a priority – and that I am committed to achieving a satisfactory resolution.

If re-elected on 2nd May I will…

1. Ensure the firearms licensing department is sufficiently well resourced to deliver certificate variations, renewals and grants in a timely manner – 95% of all renewals and grants (except those involving serious safety concerns, which may require more investigation) are completed within 12 weeks.
2. Set up an Independent Advisory Group, where key stakeholders can give feedback to the force on its decisions and performance with respect to firearms licensing.
3. Ensure Cambridgeshire Constabulary is compliant with the College of Policing authorised professional practice in relation to firearms licensing.
4. Make reference to the above commitments in the Police and Crime Plan, which will be published within the statutory timeframe.

Darryl Preston is the Conservative candidate in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner election on 2nd May 2024. There's more about Darryl on the About Darryl Preston page.