Firearms holders face 'substantial ' cost rises

People using firearms and shotguns for work and shooting sports are set to face substantial rises in licence fees from next month following a UK Government ruling.

 

SGA Chairman Alex Hogg and Firearms Officer Andy Smith have been involved in discussions over the cost changes, alongside other Scottish shooting bodies.

 

However, the UK Government ruling will come into force on 5th February, leading to significant hikes for new firearms applications, renewals, variations and visitor permits.

 

Reserved to Westminster

 

Firearms law is not devolved to Holyrood although Scotland is set to make a decision on costs for airgun licences which come under the auspices of the devolved administration in Edinburgh.

 

 
Holyrood will decide on airgun fees

 

Licence fees have not risen since 2015 and decision makers argue that the rises are necessary to recover the rising cost of processing and administering licences for Police.

 

The changes for each category of firearm can be found, below (click link). Members should also note the date the changes come into force https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0012025-firearms-variation-of-fees-order-2025/circular-0012025-firearms-variation-of-fees-order-2025

 

“These cost rises are substantial, there is no getting away from that,” said SGA Firearms Officer, Andy Smith.

 

“We fully understand concern at the hikes, which is why we have taken an active part in the discussions and made our points on behalf of members. Ultimately, this change is happening.

 

“We do realise that costs haven’t risen for some time and must be recovered in some way but that won’t make it any easier for people. 

 

“What must happen in Scotland, in the wake of these rises, is that high standards need to be maintained when it comes to processing applications."

 

Amongst the points made by the SGA against the hike was the onus now placed on firearms users to carry out public good work such as increased deer culls to meet biodiversity targets.

 

Additional costs place an extra burden on them whilst carrying out these tasks.

 

However, the new instrument has been laid at Westminster under the Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025 and will be implemented on February 5th.

 

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