In January, the Government announced that it was increasing the licence fees for shotguns and firearms for the first time in ten years. In some cases, fees have risen by more than 245% - more than four times the rate of inflation for the same period. This was done without any consultation with MPs, nor any form of explanation as to how these exorbitant fees were calculated.
I wrote, as part of a concerned group, to the Home Office to ask for an explanation and break down of the increases. Attached is the reply we have received from Diana Johnson.
While the increases are enormous, and will undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on (yet another!) country pursuit, it is good that this money will be spent on improving the application process, and should lead to a reduction in the length of time it can take to get a certificate.
