The Home Office has released detailed statistics on the issuance of firearm and shotgun certificates in England and Wales for the period from April 2023 to March 2024. These statistics provide insight into the current state of firearm and shotgun licensing, reflecting the management and use of firearms by certificate holders.
Data coverage
The data, sourced from the National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS), encompasses certificates issued up to 31 March 2024 and records from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.
Key statistics
Certificates on issue
Firearm certificates:
147,364
(0.2% increase from 2023)
Shotgun certificates:
495,798
(1% decrease from 2023)
Holders of certificates:
510,717 individuals
(1% decrease from 2023)
Temporary firearm permits:
510
(84% decrease from 2023)
Temporary shotgun permits:
1,042
(87% decrease from 2023)
APPLICATIONS & REVOCATIONS
New firearm certificate applications:
6,809
(94% granted, 6% refused)
New shotgun certificate applications:
16,529
(94% granted, 6% refused)
New coterminous applications:
3,778
(92% granted, 8% refused)
Firearm certificate revocations:
507
(21% increase from 2023)
Shotgun certificate revocations:
1,559
(34% increase from 2023)
Lost/stolen firearms:
413
(21% decrease from 2023)
Trends and observations
Certificates on issue
- As shown in Figure 1, there were 147,364 firearm certificates on issue as of 31 March 2024, representing a 0.2% increase (+224) compared with 31 March 2023. This small increase follows decreases in each of the last four years.
- There were 495,798 shotgun certificates on issue as of 31 March 2024, a 1% decrease (-5,096) compared with 31 March 2023. This marks the lowest number of shotgun certificates on issue since comparable records began in 2007.
Average number of weapons
- As of 31 March 2024, an average of 4.2 firearms were held on a firearm certificate, the highest average recorded since 2009. The average number of shotguns held on a shotgun certificate was 2.7, also the highest since 2009.
Types of firearms and shotguns
- Of the 624,245 firearms covered by a firearm certificate, the majority (57%) were rifles and 33% were sound moderators. Almost all shotguns covered by shotgun certificates were section 2 shotguns (over 99%).
Demographics of certificate holders
- 510,717 people held a firearm and/or shotgun certificate as of 31 March 2024. Of these, 94% (478,428) were male and 6% (32,289) were female.
- The age distribution of certificate holders shows the majority were aged 50 and over, accounting for 69% (351,425) of all certificate holders.
Geographical distribution
- Rural areas such as North Yorkshire, Dyfed-Powys, and Cumbria have the highest number of firearms per 100,000 people. Metropolitan areas like the Metropolitan Police, West Midlands, and Merseyside have the lowest numbers.
- A similar trend can be seen for shotguns, with rural areas having higher numbers per 100,000 people compared to metropolitan areas.
Applications, refusals, and revocations
- The year ending March 2024 saw the highest number of refusals and revocations since comparable records began in 2007. This may be related to the revised statutory guidance introduced in November 2021 and February 2023.
- For new applications, 94% of firearm certificate applications and 94% of shotgun certificate applications were granted, with 6% refused for both. Coterminous applications saw a 92% approval rate and an 8% refusal rate.
Registered firearms dealers
- As of 31 March 2024, there were 2,876 registered firearms dealers, a 2% increase from the previous year.
Visitors’ permits
- There has been an increase in visitors’ permits for shotguns, continuing a trend of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lost and stolen firearms
- A total of 413 firearms and shotguns were reported lost or stolen, a 21% decrease from the previous year.
Conclusion
The statistics released by the Home Office provide a detailed overview of the current state of firearm and shotgun licensing in England and Wales. The data reveals trends and changes in the issuance and management of firearm and shotgun certificates, reflecting the effects of revised statutory guidance and broader policy changes. The statistics illustrate the ongoing efforts to maintain high standards in firearm and shotgun licensing across police forces.
