Firearms Licensing Statistics – 2023
Picture: Jim Sherwood
The Home Office and Police Scotland have recently published statistics in respect of certification of firearms, including shotguns in England and Wales and Scotland respectively.
There are a several top-level headlines.
67% of all certificate holders in E&W are male, aged 50 or over. We are an ageing population.
There was a reduction in the numbers of FAC and SGC by 3% and 4% respectively. Similarly, RFDs reduced by 6%.
The number of refusals and revocations stand at consistently very low levels, reflecting the overwhelmingly law abiding and responsible people that certificate holders are.
Whilst the publication of these statistics is an annual event, given the ongoing work in respect of fees and the consultations in respect of firearm licensing in general, they provide timely and robust evidence of the impact that the poor service provided to certificate holders in E&W by the respective police forces. The 6% reduction in RFD’s is especially concerning. If people can’t get variations (6-9 months is not unusual for some forces) then how are new purchases meant to be made?
Similarly, given the extremely low levels of revocations and refusals, on the back of statutory guidance and an increased level of sensitivity in such decision making, it indicates that certificate holders clearly understand the responsibilities of being a certificate holder.
Rest assured that we will use the statistics in arguing against negative impacts upon members.
The links to the statistics can be found here.