Suffolk MPs sign letter against rises in shotgun licence fee

The letter, signed by Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Patrick Spencer and West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy, also called on Yvette Cooper to join an All-Party Parliamentary Group meeting on shooting and conservation to provide "transparency" on Tuesday, March 11.

As well as the pair, 44 others signed the letter, including a mix of MPs and members of the lords, critiquing the updated fees, which were last set in 2015.

According to data from Gov.uk, there are 5,628 shotguns per 100,000 people in the county (Image: Scharfsinn86) Under the new fees, the cost of a shotgun certificate grant will increase from £79.50 to £194 and a certificate renewal fee will rise from £49 to £126, these figures show a 244% rise and 257% respectively. 

Commenting on the letter, Patrick Spencer said: "The decision to hike shotgun licence fees by 244% and renewals by 257% is an unacceptable burden on rural communities.

"These increases far exceed inflation and have been imposed without consultation.

West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy and Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP Patrick Spencer have signed a letter that says the hike in fees with put pressure on those already harmed by the government's choices "The system is already slow and inefficient, with some applications taking up to two years. Yet the government provides no guarantees that these extra fees will even fund improvements.

"I’ve joined cross-party members in calling for transparency, consultation, and a fair system that works for all. It’s time for the government to listen."

The Government statistics for shotgun applications in Suffolk from April 2015 until March 2024To apply for a shotgun licence in Suffolk, you must complete an application form which is to be submitted to Suffolk Constabulary. 

You must provide your name and address, details of any criminal offences as well as details on how and where any firearms are to be stored. 

Since the last fee change 10 years ago, the number of new applications for shotgun certificates in Suffolk has fallen from 602 to 422, where as applications for certificate renewals fell by almost 2000.