As you will likely know, legislation was recently passed that removed the requirement to record sound moderators on a certificate.  Section 44 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which amends the 1968 Firearms Act, commences today, 29 June 2026, and this means that sound moderators will not be required to be covered by a certificate.  

A pioneering new partnership involving a host of organisations representing farming, gamekeeping, mental health, field sports and target shooting has been established in Scotland to build awareness and understanding of health and wellbeing in relation to firearms licensing.

On 18 May 2026, the Home Office published the updated version of its non-statutory guidance on firearms licensing law.  

On Thursday, 14 May 2026, the UK government published Circular 001/2026: Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2026 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/circular-0012026-firearms-variation-of-fees-order-2026), which details an increase in firearms licensing fees from 4 June 2026.  

The recent consultation launched by the UK Government seeks views on changes to Part 1, Schedule 2 (2.1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA). Schedule 2.1 sets out which wild bird species may be killed or taken outside the “close season”.

The Minister has stated that a consultation on firearms licensing-related matters will take place in due course. There is no time scale.

The non-statutory guidance has been reviewed, and the updated version will be published shortly.  The Home Office security guidance is also being refreshed.  

The Policing and Crime Act 2026, which includes the removal of sound moderators from certification, received Royal Assent on 30 April 2026.  

Our friends at Gamekeepers Welfare Trust are inviting SACS members to a fantastic evening on 15th May in Kelso.

The Northern Ireland Department of Justice is consulting on plans to raise firearms licensing fees and change the banded system.