SECTOR SURVEY

The Home Office is considering significant changes to the way firearms are licensed in the UK.

While no new consultation has yet been launched, proposals to align shotgun licensing more closely with rifle controls could have serious implications for pest professionals who rely on shotguns for legitimate, professional use.

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Where has this come from

Under the previous Conservative Government, the Home Office launched a consultation on changes to the firearms licensing system.

Those proposals were largely based on recommendations made by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and a Senior Coroner following the 2023 Plymouth shootings. Importantly, that consultation did not include changes to the way shotguns are licensed.

In February 2025, under the current Labour Government, the Home Office published its findings. In its response, the department noted that a number of respondents had expressed disappointment that the consultation did not consider closer alignment of controls on shotguns and other firearms.

This included some law enforcement bodies and individuals affected by shotgun-related incidents. Concerns were also raised about shotguns being stored in certificate holders’ homes, including in towns and cities.

As a result, the Home Office stated that it intends to issue a new consultation on shotgun licensing before the end of 2025. At the time of writing, that consultation has not yet been published.

What could change

If the Government proceeds with plans to merge Section 2 shotgun licensing with Section 1 firearms licensing, shotguns would effectively be treated in the same way as rifles.

That could mean:

• You would need to justify each individual shotgun you wish to purchase to the police
• Police could impose conditions on where and for what purpose your shotgun is used, and these conditions would not be appealable
• The amount of cartridges you can possess and purchase could be restricted
• Shotgun cartridges would need to be secured, for example in a safe, during storage and transport
• You would no longer be able to loan a shotgun to another certificate holder.

For pest controllers using shotguns professionally, these changes could increase administrative burdens and upfront costs. In particular, new storage requirements for cartridges may require investment in additional secure facilities.

There is also concern that further tightening of the regime could make continued professional ownership more difficult over time.

The wider context

Any changes would land in an already stretched system.

Firearms Licensing Departments are currently under significant pressure. Around a quarter are reportedly taking more than a year to process applications. A move to treat shotguns as Section 1 firearms would increase the volume and complexity of applications, as Section 1 licences require more detailed justification, background information and security checks.

This could lead to longer delays, particularly for new applicants entering the profession, and could affect business continuity for companies relying on timely renewals or variations.

The proposals also do not directly address these existing capacity issues within Firearms Licensing Departments.

What BPCA is doing

BPCA is working closely with other stakeholders, including BASC, to ensure that the professional use of shotguns in pest management is properly understood and represented.

Fill out our survey to ensure we have the data we need to protect your tools. Evidence from the sector will strengthen our conversations with politicians and inform our response if and when the Home Office launches its consultation.

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We attended the parliamentary debate linked to the BASC petition to show our supporton Monday, 23 February.

If you are particularly affected by or interested in these potential changes, please contact the Policy team at policy@bpca.org.uk

We will continue to keep members updated as this develops.

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