Northern Ireland firearms licence fee increases

The Northern Ireland Department of Justice (DoJ) is consulting on proposed changes to firearms licensing. Certificate holders have until 29 May to respond.

If the proposed licence fee increases go ahead, rises would include:

• Grant of a firearm certificate: £98 to £250
• Variation by the chief constable: £30 to £77
• Variation of the banded system: £15 to £38
• Firearms dealer’s certificate: £300 to £764

BASC opposes full cost recovery proposals

BASC does not support the DoJ proposal to move to full cost recovery. Furthermore, the organisation strongly opposes any fee increase without a full, independent and transparent review of firearms licensing processes.

That review, BASC says, must involve the organisations represented on the Northern Ireland Firearms Representative Group (NIFRG), which BASC chairs. Without clarity on the work carried out by the Police Service of Northern Ireland Firearms and Explosives Branch (PSNI FEB), BASC argues it is impossible to determine the true cost of licensing transactions accurately.

At the same time, BASC supports adding more calibres to the banded system. The organisation says this recommendation is based on amendments submitted to the Justice Committee in 2020. However, BASC opposes proposals to move certain calibres between bands.

In addition, BASC plans to recommend increasing firearms dealer holdings under the Ministerial Directive. According to the organisation, current limits restrict trade.

Questions over accountability and transparency

The proposed fee increases are justified as part of a move towards full cost recovery. However, BASC says the consultation document focuses heavily on an estimated £2 million shortfall while providing little explanation of how that figure was reached. The organisation also says there have been no assurances of service improvements.

Accountability concerns over PSNI FEB

BASC argues there is a serious lack of accountability within PSNI FEB. It says this has been an ongoing issue for many years. A first step towards greater accountability, according to BASC, would be implementing a Service Charter under Managing Public Money in Northern Ireland (MPMNI).

The organisation also believes there should be a mechanism to hold the FEB accountable when agreed processing times are not met.

Because the FEB plays a vital role in public safety, BASC says all income from firearms licensing fees should be ringfenced for the department. Additionally, the chief constable should ensure the FEB is always fully staffed. BASC argues these measures would help the FEB meet MPMNI standards.

What is Northern Ireland’s banded system?

Northern Ireland’s banded system is a BASC-inspired licensing framework. It allows certificate holders to exchange one rifle for another within defined calibre bands at a registered dealer’s premises. As a result, the system reduces the need for direct PSNI approval for every exchange.

BASC recommendations on calibres

The consultation proposes adding several calibres to the banded system. These include:

• 6.5 Creedmoor
• 6.5×47 Lapua
• .260 Remington
• 7×57 Mauser

BASC supports these additions. However, the organisation says there is scope to add many more calibres and plans to make further recommendations in its consultation response.

BASC also disagrees with proposals to move some calibres between bands. For example, it argues air rifles should remain within Band 1, commonly known as the air rifle band. It also says the .17 Winchester Super Magnum (.17 WSM) should remain in Band 2 because it is a rimfire calibre.

How to respond to the consultation

Certificate holders can respond to the consultation by emailing FEB@justice-ni.gov.uk and copying nire@basc.org.uk into their response. Alternatively, responses can be posted to:

Firearms and Explosives Branch
Department of Justice
Block 4, Knockview Buildings
Stormont Estate
Belfast BT4 3SJ

BASC also encourages shooters to use guidance available on its website. The organisation says a short response is better than none at all. The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday, 29 May.