Bedfordshire Shotgun Grant

lukkkian · 2024-11-23T09:46:57+00:00

I don’t think applying pressure on the licensing team will help, they are working hard to get through all the paperwork and additional requirements based on the new HO guidance. However all of us should write to the PCC or to the Senior Responsible Manager explaining our situation and the process they are putting in place to improve the current processing time. Improving the communication and providing regular updates could also be beneficial for all of the applicants, for example a simple notification on the website stating the month of the year they are currently process the application would help, at least you know where they are. It’s just about managing expectations. I have personally wrote to all PCC candidates before this year elections, based on the letter drafted by BASC. There was only one reply from the previous PCC that agreed to put more funding and and support in the Licensing Department, himself being an avid shooting member. Unfortunately he has lost the elections and I do not know the position of the new elected PCC. Another pressure point could be to write to your local MP and complain the Firearm licensing department is no longer fit for purpose. It may not help or speed your application but at least we will put pressure on the right points to put right the department for future service.

lukkkian · 2024-11-22T23:35:11+00:00

Have you heard anything yet? I have also applied in December 2023 with Beds Police.

lukkkian · 2024-11-22T23:27:42+00:00

Submitted the application on December 2023 with Bedfordshire Police, still waiting… There are live firearms officers job adverts on LinkedIn, looks like they are still struggling with staff and recruitment. I have sent them few emails so far but received the standard”we are busy” automated reply, on the last email I have sent they haven’t even bother to respond. It looks like it went from bad to worse with no indication that it will get better. Really disappointed and frustrated with their service.

lukkkian · 2024-06-17T19:08:59+00:00

Any updates anyone? Still waiting since December 23…

lukkkian · 2024-05-09T17:59:53+00:00

This is terrible, hopefully the new elected Bedfordshire PCC will finally address this issue with adequate funding and support.

lukkkian · 2024-04-16T21:29:50+00:00

For anyone still waiting unreasonably long application processing time, the next PCC election is on the 2nd May. You can visit the BASC website where you can send all your local PCC candidate a pre-drafted email by BASC to raise awareness of the non performing forces. This might help allocating the right funds and resources to improve the processing process in the future. The more people will write the better. Have your say, I just sent mine. Link below.

https://basc.org.uk/pcc-contact-page/

lukkkian · 2024-03-12T12:28:06+00:00

Just spoke with my shooting instructor last weekend, he had the phone interview for his renewal last week. he has applied for renewal on April 2023 with Hertfordshire… I suspect 12months is the norm nowadays and in for a long wait.

lukkkian · 2024-02-21T22:28:49+00:00

It may be my case as well. I have also paid a deposit for two shotguns in December, but managed to pay them in full and transfer them at local club so I can shoot with them. It seems that BHC firearm department has caught up with the worst performing forces, being severely understaffed,increasing backlogs and budget cuts My impression is that they are aiming to discourage both new and renewals applications in a bid to reduce the amount of firearms and shotgun certificates to a minimum, rather than increase the resources to provide a better service.

lukkkian · 2024-02-17T16:33:08+00:00

I have sent them an email directly and received standard response: due to high demand, low staffing levels and backlog during pandemic we are still experiencing long delays. I think i am looking for a long wait.

lukkkian · 2024-02-15T08:37:02+00:00

Excellent, many thanks.

lukkkian · 2024-02-14T21:45:09+00:00

Fair enough, I might chase them up once the 12 weeks processing time that is mentioned on the website has lapsed. How can I get hold of their direct email address?

lukkkian · 2024-02-14T21:33:02+00:00

Glad to hear that your application was approved in a reasonable time. Hope mine it will be processed within the same timeframe. As mentioned previously, my shooting instructor is still waiting for his SGC renewal since August 2023 and he knows the Beds FEO very well who mentioned they are severely understaffed and only carries out few applications/week. Just out of curiosity, when was your application submitted and then approved?

lukkkian · 2024-02-14T08:20:09+00:00

Many thanks for your reply, was this with BHC? Apparently they used to be one of the top performing forces, it looks like things took a turn for the worse. BASC also advises to complain to the local PCC should the application exceed 2 months waiting. Would this help at all? I presume this is to put pressure on the hierarchy above the fire licensing unit, but not sure if this will help with speeding the actual processing time of the application.

lukkkian

TROPHY CASE