Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Firearms and Explosives Licensing (BCH FEL) has reduced the number of temporary firearms permits in circulation by over 40 per cent following changes intended to improve processing efficiency.
In its July newsletter, the unit said the reduction reflected improved timeliness in handling applications and renewals. Temporary permits remain a priority area, with performance set to be monitored as the unit works to achieve further improvements.
A dedicated team continues to work through the backlog of applications submitted up until the end of December 2025. BCH FEL is on track to complete these renewals earlier than expected and has committed to keeping the GTA up to date with its progress. The department thanked applicants for their patience during this time.
BCH FEL acknowledged the effect of these delays and said it remained focused on reducing the outstanding caseload.
The unit has also opened an external telephone line for urgent or unusual enquiries as part of its efforts to improve communication. Applicants have been asked not to use the number to chase the progress of routine applications. Current turnaround information and contact details are available through the firearms licensing service update on the Bedfordshire Police, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire Constabulary websites.
BCH FEL also welcomed the national decision to award the contract for the new Police Digital Service firearms licensing platform to Palantir. The unit is already involved in the programme and said the new system should provide future improvements in data integration, analytical capability, operational decision-making and performance oversight.
Additional local resources are also being introduced through the continued expansion of Operation Grant. The initiative uses rural crime team resources across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire to assist with the processing of new grant applications.
BCH FEL said the expansion should provide greater flexibility in managing demand across the three counties, improve processing times and make better use of local knowledge and capacity. Operation Grant will remain part of the unit’s work to improve consistency and performance.
The final cohort of BCH firearms enquiry officers has also completed its training through the College of Policing. All participating officers and staff passed the programme, leaving the unit fully staffed with trained and accredited FEOs.
The development is intended to strengthen frontline capacity and support a more consistent licensing service while maintaining the required compliance and safeguarding standards.