Only half of police forces meet license processing times, raising concerns about transparency ahead of Police and Crime Commissioner elections
The UK gun trade has faced significant challenges over the last three years due to prolonged delays in firearms licensing services across police forces in England and Wales. Currently, only half of the forces are meeting the expected turnaround times for processing licenses, according to recent evaluations.
In advance of the Police and Crime Commissioner elections, the Gun Trade Association (GTA) sought clarity and data from the National Police Chiefs’ Council through a Freedom of Information request, only to have it rejected on the grounds of a planned future release. This has sparked concerns over transparency and accountability in police operations. Simon West OBE, speaking to Gun Trade Insider, questioned the withholding of such critical performance data, saying, “What is the real reason for their secrecy? Performance excuses have been based on the pandemic and introduction of statutory guidance in 2021. So long after those events, there appears to be a far bigger problem. Like all businesses, RFDs depend on cash flow. The failure of licensing departments to provide timely statutory services prevent potential customers from entering the sport and directly affecting trade jobs and livelihoods.”
This issue has been compounded by new procedural demands that lack a clear legal basis, such as requests from RFDs in the Metropolitan Police area to collect medical data on employees, a practice that has been questioned for its legality and impact on privacy.
Illustrating the situation, Sussex Police acknowledged their own shortcomings in a recent public meeting. The joint Surrey and Sussex Firearms and Explosives Licensing Unit admitted via email to an applicant that the service provided was substandard. Compared to neighbouring regions like Thames Valley and Hampshire, which process similar renewals much faster, Sussex averages a protracted 76 days for license renewals.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dobinson attributed these delays to a series of statutory changes instigated by the 2021 Plymouth shooting incident. Dobinson assured that efforts were underway to improve the situation, highlighting a slight reduction in the average waiting time and the initiation of a review aimed at refining the process.
Commissioner Katy Bourne, alongside Chief Constable Jo Shiner, are considering options to better resource the licensing unit. As the gun trade and prospective firearms owners watch closely, the outcome of these efforts and the upcoming elections could signal significant changes in how firearms licensing is managed.
