Firearms licensing costs pose additional burden on rural sector
Significant changes to firearms licensing fees come into effect today. On behalf of our members we have written to the Home Office to express our concerns.
A shotgun certificate renewal is increasing from £49 to £126, a rise of 157 per cent. In addition a firearms certificate, previously £88, will rise to £198, an uplift of 125 per cent.
We are concerned that such significant cost increases will create a barrier for those wishing to work in land management, particularly professions which involve wildlife management, such as gamekeeping.
These sectors are already suffering greatly in terms of a lack of new entrants, and we fear such a significant increase in costs will pose an additional burden. This is particularly worrying at a time when rural businesses already face an acute shortage of workers.
The fee increases could dissuade people on modest incomes from starting a career in the sector and could prevent their participation in shooting sports. It is expected that some shooting grounds will see a decrease in the number of visitors as a consequence of the changes.
The biodiversity and conservation benefits of land management such as predator control are well documented in peer-reviewed scientific literature. Studies have found that waders are up to five times more abundant on moors managed for red grouse and there is a 300 per cent improvement in waders’ breeding success in areas where predator control is carried out by gamekeepers.
With an average increase of 133% across all costs associated with a firearms licence application or renewal, we have asked the Home Office if any impact assessments were conducted prior to taking the decision to increase costs, and what consultation took place with those representing firearms and shotgun licence holders.
The decision to impose such stark fee increases will have an impact on a sector which has already been hit by additional legislation and the cost of living crisis.
Comments