Proposals to significantly increase firearms licensing fees in Northern Ireland have been brought forward by the Department of Justice, with changes discussed during a recent Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Justice meeting.
The system, administered by the Police Service of Northern Ireland Firearms and Explosives Branch (PSNI/FEB), could move to a full cost recovery model if the proposals are adopted.
Under the plans, current fees would increase by 153 per cent. This would see the grant of a firearm certificate rise from £98 to £250, while a variation by the Chief Constable would increase from £30 to £77. Variations using the banded system would rise from £15 to £38, and a firearms dealer’s certificate would increase from £300 to £764.
The Department of Justice is expected to launch a public consultation on the proposed changes, alongside a separate proposal to expand the existing banded system.
The banded system, unique to Northern Ireland, allows firearm certificate holders to exchange one rifle for another within specific calibre groupings at a registered firearms dealer’s premises. The proposed expansion is based on earlier recommendations submitted to the Justice Committee in 2020.
The move to increase fees is intended to align with recommendations outlined in a 2018 report by the Northern Ireland Audit Office, which called for a transition towards full cost recovery within firearms licensing. Speaking after the Justice Committee meeting, BASC’s NI director Tommy Mayne said: “BASC is strongly opposed to any increase in fees without a full, transparent review of the necessary processes within firearms licensing. That review must involve BASC and our partners on the Northern Ireland Firearms Representative Group (NIFRG).
“Without clarity on the work carried out by FEB staff, it is impossible to accurately determine the true cost of the system. The PSNI also needs to agree clear processing timescales with stakeholders, and any additional income must be ringfenced for firearms licensing.
“Given the critical role licensing plays in public safety, the Chief Constable must ensure that FEB is always staffed to full capacity. That would help ensure that firearms applications are processed in a timely manner and that FEB service delivery is to the required standard.
“BASC welcomes proposals to expand the banded system, which would reduce the administrative burden on the branch and provide greater flexibility for certificate holders and dealers.
“However, our original recommendations have been cherrypicked to the extent that the current proposals will not deliver meaningful improvements.”