GP Forms

We are aware of a number of English and Welsh forces who are refusing to accept Form 201’s (applications for firearms and / or shotgun certificates) without a GP form being submitted at the same time.  It’s fair to say that we have recently been inundated with such matters.  We have and continue to engage with the Home Office and the NPCC officials in respect of this. 

We would offer the following advice should you be applying for a grant or renewal of your certificate.  The following can’t be stressed enough if you stay in England or Wales –  16 weeks before the expiry of your certificate download a copy of Form 201 and submit the GP section to your GP immediately.  If the GP does not wish to complete the form, immediately send it to one of the organisations who provide third party medical services in respect of these forms. 

MedCert offer 10% off their fee if you’re a SACS member. (Contact the office for more information)

Please remember that these organisation’s deal with the already challenging cases with non-complying GP practices.  Otherwise, people would get the form direct from their GP.  Often it is the case the practice doesn’t play ball with the third party organisation which causes delays and frustrations with applicants.  Don’t hesitate to phone the SACS office if you are experiencing delays – we are here to help.

Tell your GP to send the form directly to the police via the secure NHS email system.  Otherwise pick it up yourself and submit it with your application.

Secondly, as soon as the letter arrives from the police reminding you that your renewal is due, submit the Form 201.  You must do this with at least 12 weeks before the expiry of your certificate otherwise you will not benefit from the limited extension provided by Section 28B of the Firearms Act 1968.  If the police return a completed Form 201 back stating that the GPs report must accompany the Form 201 and it is being considered as incomplete, please contact the SACS office IMMEDIATELY.  This cannot be emphasised enough.

Everyone is aware of this however it appears that there is a gulf between policy and practice. 

We have recently received authoritative legal advice which indicates that such actions may amount to misconduct as it contravenes the instructions in Form 201 and the Statutory Guidance, both of which are statutory forms.  There is a wealth of guidance in respect of ethics and the requirement of the police, and police staff, to operate within legal authority, in accordance with accepted good practice and consistently with ethical policing principles.

In conclusion, if you hit a problem, phone the office sooner than later.