Disappointed but not surprised that the outgoing CC of Hampshire Police, and NPCC lead on Firearms, whom the BASC seem to have a lot of regard for, for reasons not explained, has failed to make any improvement during his watch. An increase from 79 S7s in 2010 and one of the better forces at that time. issued 1205 S7s in 2015. which exceeds the (growing trend) of sum of the preceding 5 years. And yet the fee increases that were conceded in return for efficiencies have had no impact. Every force that bothered to fulfil the FOI request has shown in increase in 2015 over 2014, some dramatically.
Dave (BASC) did ask to know what other organisations were doing for shooters. Well Dave, the CA has shown the BASC how to go about it. Perhaps the "fully engaged" BASC could drop a line to Andy Marsh and ask him to explain in a Shooting Times article how well he thinks he has served the interests of shooters, and how his own force has failed under his leadership. Perhaps Marsh should relinquish being NPCC lead when he takes his new job up as CC for Avon & Somerset (which incidentally failed to comply with the FOI request from the CA).
The next question would be to ask how long it took after issuing the S7, to complete the renewal process. Over to the BASC I think Dave.