NI firearm fees consultation withdrawn

Department of Justice withdraws firearms fee consultation

Northern Ireland’s Department of Justice (DoJ) has withdrawn its controversial consultation on a proposed 153% average increase in firearms licensing fees. The development came just one day after BASC initiated legal proceedings against the department and just two days before the consultation was due to end.

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BASC launches legal challenge

BASC had issued a Pre-Action Protocol letter – the first step towards a Judicial Review – after the DoJ failed to respond to its concerns about the lawfulness of the consultation, despite multiple reminders.

The consultation, launched on 30 March, had proposed achieving full cost recovery for firearms licensing. Fees have not changed since 2016, and the DoJ argued that certificate applications currently cover only around 40% of the cost of providing the service, leaving a shortfall of almost £2 million for the last financial year. Under the proposals, the cost of a firearm certificate would have risen from £98 to £250, a firearms dealer’s certificate from £300 to £764 and a variation by the Chief Constable from £30 to £77.

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Opposition from shooting and farming groups

BASC was not alone in opposing the plans. The Countryside Alliance had also called for an independent review of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Firearms and Explosives Branch (FEB) before any increase could take effect, with shooting campaign manager Roger Seddon accusing the Government of trying to “plug a financial gap caused by inadequate policy and practice” in the FEB “by unfairly delving into the pockets of rural people”. The Ulster Farmers’ Union had also registered its opposition to the proposals.

Among the concerns repeatedly raised were delays in processing applications and renewals, along with an ongoing backlog of appeals affecting certificate holders across Northern Ireland.

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Justice Minister explains decision

Announcing the withdrawal on 27 May, Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “I wish to acknowledge and thank those that have responded to the consultation to date; however, following its launch, the Department has received feedback and responses from consultees and stakeholder groups seeking additional information and raising concerns on related matters. Having considered those issues and in light of recent advice from officials, I have decided to withdraw the consultation at this time.” 

Ms Long added that although firearms licensing fees in Northern Ireland continued to be heavily subsidised from the core PSNI budget, it was important to address the concerns raised, and that officials would engage with stakeholders to develop proposals for a new consultation to be launched at a later date.

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BASC welcomes withdrawal

BASC’s Northern Ireland director Tommy Mayne said the withdrawal was the right decision. “BASC opposes any increase in fees without a full, independent, and transparent review of the necessary processes involved in firearms licensing. Thank you to everyone who took the time to voice their opposition to the ill-advised proposals, including BASC members, MLAs and MPs.”