Dear Gagan,
Thank you for sending the signed form of authority across, and apologies for the delay in my reply.
XX’s application is at an early stage of progression, although it should be noted that this is due to other applications we are working through, rather than any complications specific to his own application. XX’s application is not the oldest application that we have. Due to a number of variables and system limitations it isn’t possible to provide time estimates, or indications of where an applicant sits within the queue. We do however aspire to provide time estimates in future. I will provide XX with a time estimate should we be successful in working through the variables and system limitations, but I can’t comment on how soon that will be.
I would like to offer my assurance that whilst XX has not yet felt the direct results of this, a number of steps have been taken both prior to and after HMICFRS raising their concerns. The department - with the oversight and support of the three Chief Officer teams - introduced a number of measures to address these concerns. This included a large uplift of staff, process efficiencies, and greater use of technology. I'm sighted on our internal performance metrics and there has been a significant increase in performance since HMICFRS attended.
But the backlog we are tackling is a large one, and we are in a year of peak demand (our renewal application volume isn't linear, it fluctuates by a large percentage) - so there is more to be done.
We are continuing to explore areas to be more efficient, whilst still maintaining our core function of keeping the public safe from licensed firearms, shotguns and explosives.
We have also taken steps to address the concerns raised by XX and others regarding communications. There are challenges in this area, as much of the correspondence we receive amounts to requesting a status update. Whilst completely understandable that frustrated applicants would seek an update, responding to such requests takes staff away from tackling the applications to which they relate. We are exploring a technological solution that automates (or semi-automates) some updates, but in the meantime we have opened our phone lines for a period each day - further information can be found on our service status page:
Firearms licensing service update | Hertfordshire Constabulary
We are also utilising other routes to actively engage with the shooting community. For example members of the team regularly support at rural events such as barn meets, shooting organisation annual meetings, providing both accountability, and an opportunity to engage and understand our members concerns.
I hope this addresses the concerns raised below. If there's anything else I can assist with please let me know.
’ springs to mind! 
vicar! Time for fishing and horlicks to the guns
