Firearms licensing is in crisis, BASC tells Parliamentary Committee inquiry
BASC has proposed the establishment of an independent regulatory body to oversee licensing departments.
BASC East grows to take in two new counties
From 31 March, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire will fall under BASC’s East of England region – a move that will aid a consistent approach when dealing with the amalgamated firearms licensing service in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
The recruitment of Ben Cotterell as a dedicated regional firearms officer in the East means BASC members in the region will now have a single point of contact for firearms enquiries.
Ben will help to develop relationships and seek to secure improvements in licensing services for BASC members across the region.
Ben’s background is in insurance, but through his own shooting journey and reading his grandfather’s books on weaponry and history has a firm grasp of the firearms laws and legislation in the UK.
Terry Behan, BASC’s East of England regional director, said: “Employing Ben as a dedicated regional firearms officer and amalgamating Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire into BASC East will ensure an improved service for our members across the region.”
Ben Cotterell, added: “I am delighted to be joining BASC, especially at this busy time in firearms licensing. I look forward to assisting members, while all the time supporting our way of life.”
Click here to find out more about the Eastern of England region.
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Non-statutory Home Office guidance
Read our explanation of the non-statutory Guide on Firearms Licensing Law published by the Home Office and what it means for licence holders.
Firearms licensing issues raised with PCC candidates
BASC’s political team have contacted all PCC candidates in the run up to 6 May elections, highlighting the current lack of consistency across UK police forces around firearms licensing.
