Jim Shannon – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Home Office

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2016-06-06.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to reduce the time taken for a shotgun and firearm application to be processed.

Mike Penning

Under the Firearms Act 1968, which applies to England, Wales and Scotland, firearm and shotgun certificate administration is a matter for the chief officer of police for the area in which the applicant lives. The time taken to process a firearm or shotgun application can vary as the chief officer must take into account the need to manage risk and ensure public protection.

The Policing and Crime Bill, which is before Parliament, introduces a power to issue statutory guidance to the police in relation to firearms licensing which should lead to improved consistency in practice across forces.