Gp licensing problems continue

BASC is challenging decisions by Nottinghamshire Police and Cheshire Constabulary to change their firearms licensing policies.

Under the new policy brought in by both forces, firearm and shotgun certificate applicants must have their medical declaration information verified by their GP.

This change brings them in line with forces in Lincolnshire, Kent and Merseyside and is part of the ongoing saga surrounding the role of GPS in firearms licensing. It goes against Home Office guidance stating that if a police force does not receive a response to their initial request for medical information from an applicant’s GP, they should assume there are no medical issues and grant a licence.

Christopher Graffius, BASC’S executive director of communications and public affairs, said: “What we want is an efficient, cost-effective and robust system of firearms licensing that protects public safety and provides excellent service to the shooting community. We believe that is best provided by police forces following the agreed protocols laid down by the Home Office.”

He added: “We also want to raise our fears that GPS will not be consistent in the fees they may charge for medical checks and we want assurances that a system will be put in place to ensure GPS put an encoded reminder on certificate holders’ medical notes in case medical issues arise during the life of the certificate.”