Now licensing crisis is a matter of urgency

BASC is holding the police force to account for failing to fulfil a statutory duty in its decision to suspend new applications for firearm and shotgun certificates on the grounds of “unexpected resourcing issues” (News, 20 November). 

Furthermore, the force said on its website that applications already received would take a minimum of 24 months to be processed. As soon as we got word of what was happening, BASC went into full campaign mode, first contacting MPs and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), then rallying members in the force area to get involved. 

BASC member John Clements had been waiting for more than six months for his first-time application for a shotgun and firearm certificate to be granted, when he heard that applications would take a minimum of 24 months to be processed by Gloucestershire Constabulary. 

“I have gone to great lengths to comply with the various police requirements for my applications,” John told us. “To be faced with an indefinite delay is disheartening and undermines the trust and confidence residents should have in their local police force. I wrote to my MP, Sir Geoffrey Clifton- Brown, to raise my concerns about the situation, and he got back to me the same day, outlining the actions he was taking to resolve things. 

“I have since had an email back from the PCC and things look to be in motion, but I would urge everyone in the force area to contact their MP and the PCC to underline the strength of feeling about this.” 

Another BASC member, who wishes to remain anonymous, told me that he had gone onto the Gloucestershire Constabulary website to apply for a FAC and was disappointed to read that his application would not be accepted. 

He said: “I have seen they have been advertising hard for new FEOs [firearms enquiry officer] recently. I guess maybe someone has quit. Short of moving house, I don’t think I have any options really. Having received an action alert email from BASC, I have written to my MP to complain about this and I hope that the situation is resolved soon. 

“I know it’s not a comfortable thing to do but I would encourage everyone in Gloucestershire to complain to their MP and the PCC, even if you are not directly affected, as weight in numbers will make a difference for everyone,” John added. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, several police forces announced temporary freezes on new grants due to the impact on resources. Given the unprecedented national emergency at the time, there was understanding for that situation. 

However, that was then, and it is frankly untenable for any police force to opt out of their statutory obligations with a vague justification of “unexpected resourcing issues”. It is critical that Gloucestershire Constabulary sort this issue out and ensure that its firearms licensing team have the resources they need to provide a proper public service. 

Apparently, the firearms licensing department only had three FEOs, then one quit and another went on sick leave, which has led to the resourcing crisis the force finds itself in. If a larger team had been in place, with the resilience to cope with staff turnover, then arguably this would never have happened. 

Backlogs 

Perhaps Gloucestershire’s PCC Chris Nelson will emulate the actions of West Mercia’s PCC John Campion, who listened to feedback from BASC and the shooting community. He then increased the number of FEOs from nine to 14 to successfully reduce firearms licensing backlogs (News, 14 February). 

Perhaps Gloucestershire’s interim Chief Constable Maggie Blyth will make a difference, taking a lead from Cumbria’s Chief Constable Rob Carden. He too heard the concerns of BASC and constituents and invested resources that started the ball rolling to clear a backlog of 1,796 non-complex certificate applications (News, 21 August). He has the support of PCC David Allen for further service improvements. 

If you live in Gloucestershire, please write to your MP and the PCC asking for this firearms licensing crisis to be resolved as a matter of urgency.