Northern Ireland Firearms Representative Group joint response to FEB change consultation
28/04/2026
We are asking members to respond to the Department of Justice proposed firearms licencing fee increase. SACS alongside other members of the Northern Ireland Firearms Representative Group (NIFRG) have submitted a response opposing the increased fees.
It’s time for you to have your say, responses must be submitted by 5pm on 29th May 2026.
You can email your response outlining the below to FEB@justice-ni.gov.uk
I do not support the DoJ proposal to move to full cost recovery.
I am strongly opposed to any increase in fees without a full, independent, transparent review of the necessary processes within firearms licensing. That review must involve the organisations on the Northern Ireland Firearms Representative Group (NIFRG). Without clarity on the work carried out by FEB staff, it is impossible to accurately determine the true cost of the various transactions.
The consultation document focuses heavily on the £2M (approx.) shortfall, however it fails to provide any detail in relation to how that figure was achieved.
The consultation refers to a PSNI FEB data collection exercise that took place in June 2025 however that data has not been included in the consultation, hence it is impossible to understand the true costs of the various transactions listed in Schedule 6 (the fees schedule).
No assurances in relation to any improvement in service have been provided.
There is a serious lack of accountability within PSNI FEB, and this has been the case for many years. A first step in achieving greater accountability would be the implementation of a Service Charter which is permitted under Managing Public Money in Northern Ireland (MPMNI). Additionally, there must be a mechanism for holding FEB to account when they fail to meet the agreed processing timescales set out in the Charter.
Given the vital role that FEB plays in helping to ensure public safety, any income derived from firearms licensing fees should, in its entirety, be ringfenced for FEB. Additionally, the Chief Constable should ensure that FEB is always staffed to full capacity. The implementation of both measures would help ensure that FEB perform to the standards set out in MPMNI.
The DoJ appeals process is broken beyond repair, as those who appeal face protracted delays of up to and beyond two years. The broken appeals system means that a person aggrieved by a decision of the Chief Constable has no recourse. Once again this demonstrates a lack of accountability, contrary to the standards set out in MPMNI. The DoJ appeals process needs to be fixed.
Banded System
I recommend that air rifles should remain within what has been known as the air rifle band (Band 1).
I recommend that 17 Winchester Super Magnum (.17WSM) should not be included in band 3 of Schedule 1A as this is a rimfire calibre which belongs in Band 2.
I recommend that .17WSM should be added to Schedule 1A, but it should be added to Band 2, to sit alongside the other rimfire calibres with which it has more in common than those in Band 3.
I agree with the proposal to add the 6.5 Creedmoor; 6.5x47 Lapua; .260 Remington and 7x57 Mauser to Band 4 of Schedule 1A.
DoJ and PSNI are aware that banded system transactions significantly reduce the administrative burden on FEB and with that I feel strongly that the list of calibres should be significantly expanded compared to what currently exists. If PSNI and/or DoJ have any genuine public safety concerns in relation to any calibre within specific bands, these concerns need to be shared and discussed with key the NIFRG.
I feel strongly that firearms dealer holdings under the Ministerial Directive should be increased, as the current restriction on holdings inhibits trade.
Please add any other additional comments that will be useful.
Alternatively you can use the DOJ Response Questionnaire here»»»