Replying to constituents doesn't seem high on their agenda, at least my former (cons) MP, useless as she was, took to time to reply.
BASC updates on firearms licensing fees hike
- Thread starter Conor O'Gorman
- Start date
Conor O'Gorman
Well-Known Member
MP blasts cost of shotgun licences
A Shropshire MP has blasted the cost of shotgun licences after they have increased in price by more than 250 per cent.
www.shropshirestar.com
trickie
Well-Known Member
Today, I received my reply from Dan Norris. As expected he followed the party line. However regarding the increased costs, they fall into insignificance when compared the the prices of other items over the last 10 years.
Whilst I’m not a fan of buy what you want as many as you would like! I feel that we deserve a better service that we get. That we are not automatically treated as criminals or anti social members of society.
My reply will not be copied on here, I did however express my concern and hope on:
A standard for firearms licensing departments Country wide.
That the very law abiding legal shooting community should be treated fairly
I don’t consider the licensing laws should be downgraded to allow a US style of ownership.
Requested that he support the removal of moderators from the scope of the laws currently in place.
Here is the reply in full:
Dear Mr Norris,
Thank you for contacting me about the changes to firearms licensing fees.
I understand that the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has raised concerns about the increase in fees. However, it is important to note that firearms licensing fees were last updated ten years ago. Since then, they have been significantly lower than the actual cost of providing the service.
I believe a more effective and efficient firearms licensing system is long overdue. This increase in fees will help make the system more efficient and effective, and ensure that police forces can fully cover the costs of processing firearm license applications.
I would like to reassure you that this decision was not taken lightly. It follows an impact assessment which reviewed a wide range of evidence, looking at the number of businesses, individuals and police in England, Scotland and Wales that would be affected by updating fees for firearm or shotgun licences.
The Home Office also held discussions on the fee increase with several key organisations at the Firearms Fees Working Group in 2022 and 2023. I understand the Policing Minister also met with BASC in January this year.
I understand there have been concerns raised about delays in firearms licensing by organisations like BASC, as these delays can often last for several months or years. I am therefore glad the Government has confirmed that this rise in fees will support applicants to receive a more professional service, and to help put stronger safeguards in place to protect the public from the misuse of licensed firearms.
The Government has also provided reassurance that it has had contact with Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables, clarifying that the income from increased fees must be used to support improvements in the service provided by their firearms licensing teams.
Please be assured that I will continue to support efforts to ensure that the framework for firearms licensing controls is under constant review.
Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts with me about this issue.
Yours sincerely,
Dan Norris
Whilst I’m not a fan of buy what you want as many as you would like! I feel that we deserve a better service that we get. That we are not automatically treated as criminals or anti social members of society.
My reply will not be copied on here, I did however express my concern and hope on:
A standard for firearms licensing departments Country wide.
That the very law abiding legal shooting community should be treated fairly
I don’t consider the licensing laws should be downgraded to allow a US style of ownership.
Requested that he support the removal of moderators from the scope of the laws currently in place.
Here is the reply in full:
Dear Mr Norris,
Thank you for contacting me about the changes to firearms licensing fees.
I understand that the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) has raised concerns about the increase in fees. However, it is important to note that firearms licensing fees were last updated ten years ago. Since then, they have been significantly lower than the actual cost of providing the service.
I believe a more effective and efficient firearms licensing system is long overdue. This increase in fees will help make the system more efficient and effective, and ensure that police forces can fully cover the costs of processing firearm license applications.
I would like to reassure you that this decision was not taken lightly. It follows an impact assessment which reviewed a wide range of evidence, looking at the number of businesses, individuals and police in England, Scotland and Wales that would be affected by updating fees for firearm or shotgun licences.
The Home Office also held discussions on the fee increase with several key organisations at the Firearms Fees Working Group in 2022 and 2023. I understand the Policing Minister also met with BASC in January this year.
I understand there have been concerns raised about delays in firearms licensing by organisations like BASC, as these delays can often last for several months or years. I am therefore glad the Government has confirmed that this rise in fees will support applicants to receive a more professional service, and to help put stronger safeguards in place to protect the public from the misuse of licensed firearms.
The Government has also provided reassurance that it has had contact with Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables, clarifying that the income from increased fees must be used to support improvements in the service provided by their firearms licensing teams.
Please be assured that I will continue to support efforts to ensure that the framework for firearms licensing controls is under constant review.
Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts with me about this issue.
Yours sincerely,
Dan Norris
Winner of crapest headline goes to, the shropshire starMP blasts cost of shotgun licences
A Shropshire MP has blasted the cost of shotgun licences after they have increased in price by more than 250 per cent.
Conor O'Gorman
Well-Known Member
Thanks, I will pass that onto our political team and if you get a reply to your response to that please PM me.
I take back my previously comments relating to Mr Doogan:
'Dear S,
Thank you for your mail. My sincere apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I have been receiving a high volume of urgent correspondence recently and can only apologise for this delay.
I am writing to acknowledge the concerns you have raised about the recent increases in firearms licensing fees. You will not be surprised to learn that several residents have voiced their dissatisfaction, especially regarding the lack of adequate consultation and transparency surrounding the fee hikes. I understand that many are concerned about the potential impact on rural communities, where shooting sports are an important part of both social and economic life.
The UK Government has explained that the fee increases are meant to enhance the resources of firearms licensing departments. However, I have written to Secretary of State for the Home Department, Yvette Cooper MP seeking clarification on how the 133% increase was determined, and whether these hikes are intended to cover costs or to generate a profit.
Given the financial burden this increase could place on license holders—particularly in rural areas—I have raised the question of whether the fee structure can be reconsidered to ensure it remains affordable for those who will be most affected.
As soon as I receive a response from the Minister, I will be sure to keep you updated. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else.
Yours sincerely,
Dave Doogan MP'
'Dear S,
Thank you for your mail. My sincere apologies for not getting back to you sooner. I have been receiving a high volume of urgent correspondence recently and can only apologise for this delay.
I am writing to acknowledge the concerns you have raised about the recent increases in firearms licensing fees. You will not be surprised to learn that several residents have voiced their dissatisfaction, especially regarding the lack of adequate consultation and transparency surrounding the fee hikes. I understand that many are concerned about the potential impact on rural communities, where shooting sports are an important part of both social and economic life.
The UK Government has explained that the fee increases are meant to enhance the resources of firearms licensing departments. However, I have written to Secretary of State for the Home Department, Yvette Cooper MP seeking clarification on how the 133% increase was determined, and whether these hikes are intended to cover costs or to generate a profit.
Given the financial burden this increase could place on license holders—particularly in rural areas—I have raised the question of whether the fee structure can be reconsidered to ensure it remains affordable for those who will be most affected.
As soon as I receive a response from the Minister, I will be sure to keep you updated. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else.
Yours sincerely,
Dave Doogan MP'
Conor O'Gorman
Well-Known Member
Thanks I will pass it onto our political team.
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