Exorbitant firearm licence fees add ‘insult to injury’ 

More than 50 MPs and peers have criticised the Government’s plans to increase fees for gun licences, calling them an “attack” on rural communities. The group of politicians wrote to Labour Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, urging her to water down the plans to increase firearm licensing costs by up to 157% (News, 22 January). 

The Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, who was among the signatories on the letter, said the increases “will put pressure on hundreds of thousands of people in rural communities who have already suffered under this Government’s choices”. 

“Inflation since 2015 has been 35%, so these increases are up to a disproportionate 4.5 times inflation. This is wholly unjustified and only adds insult to injury for the hardworking people in rural communities whose livelihoods the Labour Government has already threatened,” he said. 

Renewal of a shotgun certificate will jump from £49 to £126, while a shotgun grant will rise from £79.50 to £194. 

“This isn’t just a slight adjustment — it’s a massive blow to those who already abide by strict regulations,” said Alastair Redman, independent councillor for Kintyre and the Islands. “Farmers and land managers use firearms to protect crops, control pests and manage wildlife. Hitting them with these outrageous fees, while they’re already struggling with rising fuel and feed prices, is a disgrace. These fees aren’t targeting criminals — they’re punishing farmers, crofters and responsible shooters who ensure safety and land management,” he added. 

Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on shooting and conservation have also spoken out over a lack of consultation on the increases, and have asked the Home Secretary to attend the group’s next meeting on 11 March. 

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for North Cotswolds and co-chairman of the APPG, said: “These extortionate fee increases imposed by the Government without any consultation are completely unacceptable. Following on from the family farm tax, this is yet another attack on the rural communities.” 

A Government justification for the full-cost recovery of licensing costs has been a pledge to improve the ailing service offered by police forces which have struggled to grant licences in a timely manner over recent years. However, it may be impossible for police forces to ring-fence these extra funds to improve the service. 

The new fees came into effect on 5 February.