A pleasant change on Variation from Thames Valley

[Zetter]

Having just done an online variation for a new rifle with Thames Valley it was a pleasant surprise to fine the system has changed for the better.
I filled out the online form and paid to add a .223 to my ticket for target shooting but there was no mention of sending my old FAC back after I had done the online bit of the application. This was a bit of a change so I thought I would hang on to my old ticket while the process was going through to see what happened i.e. would I be asked to send it in before I got my new FAC.

This was not the case basically got my call from my FEO to clarify a couple of points after a week of the initial application going in with the end result that he could see no reason for the variation to go through. Two days later got the txt from TVP saying my licence was in the post and it duly dropped through the letterbox this weekend. Also noted on the covering letter was a request for me to send back my old licence to them now that have issued the new one, so I will posting this off to them today.

This may be old news to some as I haven't done a variation for about 12 months but this is a much better system in my opinion. No more being stuck without your FAC while the variation is going through with all the issues it can bring i.e. the inability to buy ammunition while you are doing a variation and also having your current licence available if there are any queries while out and about with your firearms.

Credit where credit is due to TVP a much better way of dealing with variations in my opinion compared to the old system of sending your licence back before anything happened.

 

[Cymro]

Similar process with South Wales, when I queried the return of my FAC, they said to keep hold of it for ammo purchases u til variation comes through.
Simple online process

 

[Sampo]

Looks like the newer changes are for the better and seems to be streamlined. As you mentioned, credit, where credit is due.

 

[308tikka]

Thats good to hear. No reason for it not to be online, easier to administer and reduces manpower burden.

 

[Benelli m2]

Thats good to hear. No reason for it not to be online, easier to administer and reduces manpower burden.

You having a giraffe it's taking some people to do this several times
Stick to the paper version at least you can take your time doing it and go back over it for any misses

 

[308tikka]

You having a giraffe it's taking some people to do this several times
Stick to the paper version at least you can take your time doing it and go back over it for any misses

I was referring to the FLDs, who are after all funded by taxpayers.

If someone is illiterate, or just thick, why should the taxpayer have to fund extra staff to process a paper version when an efficient and cheaper method is readily available?

 

[Benelli m2]

Cos it gives someone a bloody job that's why

 

[Benelli m2]

Doing mine the paper version you don't have to do it on line

 

[C h r i s]

Cos it gives someone a bloody job that's why

If less admin means a quicker service all round, or no increase in fees, then it can't be a bad thing in my opinion.

 

[sikamalc]

That's refreshing news to hear. Lets hope its a sign of general improvement across the system.

 

[308tikka]

Cos it gives someone a bloody job that's why

And this rationale is why this country is in the state its in. Nobody is owed a job. Money doesnt grow on trees.

Well done TVP for providing an efficient service to taxpayers - theres no way licensing fees cover the cost of staff who have to process renewals, variations and grants, costing even more when its paper. Should be quicker as well and we can start to see a reduction of complaints on the SD about processing times.

 

[Zetter]

I personally cant see the issue with online. To be fair the renewal/ initial grant can be a pain online sometimes due to its inability to save part the way through. I found this out to my cost as I needed my referees place of birth and didnt have it to hand but once I got this its plain sailing. So that would be a feature they should add.
But for a variation come on its not like its asking any difficult questions its basic info you will have to hand to easily do in one shot so to speak. Its a massively better system than having to fill out a bit of paper send it and your current FAC off to the tender mercies of the post office and then wait for an acknowledgment it A) actually got there and B) how long its going to be.
With this you put in for a variation, still have your ticket to buy ammunition / do other stuff you need your ticket for until your new one turns up. what's not to like.
The dream way forward would to be fair the Northern Irish system where you can do 1 for 1s at an RFD and calibres are banded for each slot but one step at a time!

 

[Tazz]

Having just done an online variation for a new rifle with Thames Valley it was a pleasant surprise to fine the system has changed for the better.
I filled out the online form and paid to add a .223 to my ticket for target shooting but there was no mention of sending my old FAC back after I had done the online bit of the application. This was a bit of a change so I thought I would hang on to my old ticket while the process was going through to see what happened i.e. would I be asked to send it in before I got my new FAC.

This was not the case basically got my call from my FEO to clarify a couple of points after a week of the initial application going in with the end result that he could see no reason for the variation to go through. Two days later got the txt from TVP saying my licence was in the post and it duly dropped through the letterbox this weekend. Also noted on the covering letter was a request for me to send back my old licence to them now that have issued the new one, so I will posting this off to them today.

This may be old news to some as I haven't done a variation for about 12 months but this is a much better system in my opinion. No more being stuck without your FAC while the variation is going through with all the issues it can bring i.e. the inability to buy ammunition while you are doing a variation and also having your current licence available if there are any queries while out and about with your firearms.

Credit where credit is due to TVP a much better way of dealing with variations in my opinion compared to the old system of sending your licence back before anything happened.

Well done Thames Valle, clearly someone there has discovered the “Internet Thing”