Certification Update
Updated Home Office Firearms Statutory Guideline and updated Form 201 – Application form for Firearm and Shotgun Certificates.
On 5 August 2025, the Home Office published the new statutory guidance for police forces in respect of firearms licensing. A statutory instrument, The Firearms (Amendment) Rules 2025, changing the Form 201 application form, came into force on 5 August 2025 also.
In respect of the new statutory guidance, there is more direct guidance on matters relating to domestic abuse or violence and other issues such as dishonesty. There is nothing which is a surprise, and frankly, the only surprise is that police forces need to be told to do this. It perhaps reflects the low standards of professional curiosity that have been displayed in the past by several police forces, which have led to tragedies such as the well-documented events in Devon and Cornwall.
Probably one of the most important, but simplest changes is the following text, being highlighted in bold on page 2, paragraph 1.2, which states.
Chief officers of police in England, Wales and Scotland must have regard to such guidance. This means that the Statutory Guidance must be taken into account, and if there is a decision to depart from it, there must be clear reasons to justify that departure on a case-by-case basis.
It is frankly amazing how many times we have heard the phrase, ‘but it is only guidance’ from managers who really should know better. Perhaps this ‘boldness’ should lead to a more consistent approach to licensing processes, especially if there is a future review by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. We will be only too willing to highlight the lack of understanding of firearms licensing matters by some forces, should the Inspectorate be brave enough to ask!
More importantly, there have been changes to the application form, Form 201. There are now two referees required, and applicants will also need to give a copy of Annexe A, which deals with the advice process for referees. We strongly believe that the referees' process is a waste of time and it adds nothing to the public safety aspects of firearms licensing. It should be for the police to seek out whoever they want to speak to in respect of suitability.
We would like to emphasise that it is very important that the Form is completed accurately, and please declare everything in respect of previous convictions and health matters. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to ask us. We are here to help.
The new Form 201 can be used immediately; however, the previous version can be used if it is received by the police, on or before 5 September 2025.
As always, at this time of change, if you have any queries or questions, please don’t hesitate to phone the office and we will assist you. It is your organisation and we are here to help you.
SACS