Public asked for thoughts on gun licensing changes

THE body that represents the nation’s Police and Crime Commissioners has called on the public to have their say on potential changes to the licensing of firearms and shotguns in England and Wales.

Three investigations have followed the shooting in Plymouth on the evening of August 12 which saw five people murdered – Maxine Davison, 51, Stephen Washington, 59, Kate Shepherd, 66, Lee Martyn, 43 and three-year-old Sophie Martyn – and the gunman Jake Davison take his own life.

One inquiry is being led by Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team into the murders. In addition, the Home Secretary has called for a review of all police forces regarding the revocation of firearms.

There is also an inquiry being led by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which will focus on the issues around why the gunman had a shotgun licence and why he had possession of the shotgun on that night.

Now the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) has announced it wants to hear from the public about their thoughts and worries over the ownership of firearms and shotguns and the process by which police forces grant certificates and licences to possess such weapons.

The chair of the APCC, Marc Jones, said: “There has been heightened public concern following the recent shooting of five people in Plymouth.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my sympathies to all those affected by that tragic incident, and indeed to all victims of gun crime.

“The Home Office is currently reviewing arrangements for the licensing of guns and will shortly be introducing new statutory guidance to be followed by all police forces.

“Police and crime commissioners are elected to be the public’s voice in policing and so we want to hear what the public thinks about these issues so we can feed those views to the Home Office.”

The APCC’s short survey asks for the public’s views on things like the amount of scrutiny of medical records and social media posts that police should undertake when granting or renewing a licence, and whether or not an applicant should pay the full costs of having their request processed.

Mr Jones added: “We want to hear all from sides, including people who are, or have previously been, a registered firearms licence or shotgun certificate holder.

“The public may be surprised to hear that there are more than half a million licence holders in England and Wales, who legally own nearly two million firearms. We know the overwhelming majority do so safely and responsibly.

“So, while it is absolutely right that we have a discussion on licensing, we should be careful to ensure any changes to guidance or legislation are proportionate, reflect the public’s views and, above all, are effective at keeping people safe.”

It comes as a police and crime commissioner says the Home Office should let police forces charge more for gun licences because the current system is leaving them out of pocket.

Labour’s West Midlands PCC, Simon Foster, is calling for the change after revealing the force was left with a £170,000 loss from processing firearms licences and certificates.

The Home Office has said it is “committed” to introducing a system allowing forces to recoup costs and would be reviewing fees “soon”.

The force’s licensing operation is shared with Staffordshire Police, and includes an online portal system introduced to lower costs for both forces.

However, West Midlands Police still lost more than £70 for every licence processed, with Mr Foster saying the force was “effectively subsidising gun ownership”.

The APCC’s survey, which can be completed online, takes just a few minutes and will remain open for responses until Wednesday, October 20.