Barely a year after the major firearms licensing fee increases introduced in February 2025, the Home Office has confirmed that fees will rise again from 4 June 2026. While the increases themselves are relatively modest, broadly reflecting inflation at around three per cent, the wider message behind them is likely to concern many across the trade.
Under the new structure, the grant of a shotgun certificate will rise from £194 to £200, while a firearms dealer grant or renewal will increase from £466 to £480.
On paper, these changes may appear manageable. In reality, however, the most significant part of the announcement is not the figures themselves, but what they represent.
For many years, fee increases tended to arrive after long periods of stagnation, often followed by heated debate around whether the police should achieve so-called “full cost recovery” through certificate charges. Now, from what I’m hearing, the direction of travel appears to be changing. If I’m interpreting the information correctly, firearms licensing fees are becoming part of a rolling financial model where certificate holders and dealers should expect routine increases as standard.
The trade understands the argument that licensing systems require proper funding. Few would dispute that police firearms departments need sufficient resources to process applications efficiently and maintain public confidence in the system. The issue is whether the service currently being delivered reflects the increasing financial burden being placed on lawful shooters, retailers and RFDs.
Across the country, there remains considerable inconsistency between licensing departments. Some forces provide excellent communication, reasonable turnaround times and pragmatic engagement with certificate holders. Others continue to struggle with delays, staffing shortages and differing interpretations of guidance and policy.
For dealers in particular, this inconsistency can have direct commercial consequences. Delayed grants, renewals or variations can impact sales. Every increase in fees naturally raises the same question: where is the measurable improvement in service?
There is also a wider concern that the cumulative cost of participation in shooting sports continues to rise steadily from all directions. Licensing fees are only one part of a much larger picture that now includes rising ammunition costs, inflation across retail and distribution, increasing compliance expectations, security requirements and ongoing government uncertainty around issues such as lead ammunition and the alignment of licences.
Individually, each additional cost may appear relatively small. Together, they create gradual pressure across the entire sector.
Shooting has always relied on accessibility and participation. If younger shooters begin to see the sport as increasingly expensive and administratively burdensome, the industry may eventually feel the effects further down the line.
ROB SMITH
group trade editor, Gun Trade Insider