Very Pi$$ed off-- Renewal not through

[NoEntry]

Its an absolute offence to be in posession of guns that are subject to licensing without a valid FAC.

You have two options.

1 lodge you guns with an RFD
2 Get a S7 permit.

Dont be fobbed off with platitudes fom your Licensing Dept. They cannot simply tell you to carry on without a valid ticket. They will kick up a fuss about it but they will issue a S7.

Personally I would email the licensing dept asking for a S7. I would also write to both the manager of the licensing dept AND the Chief Constable asking for the same permit and outlining both the advice you have been given and he fact that you applied for your renewal in plenty of time. I would even consider asking for the cash that you have had to fork out to lodge your guns with your RFD.

Of course you could just put up with he crappy service and advice and hope that you dont get caught in unlawful posession, have you guns siezed, wait for months to find out that you may or may not be proescuted/cautioned and end up being refused a FAC because you have a record for firearms offences.


Mike

[M99]

Gaz,

I am sure you get some interesting results from a FOI request!!

Mike

[Chapuis]

I'm in no doubt that the FLO and the departments are doing their best witht he resources they have, I can only imagine the pressure on their time.

The worst thing that could happen is decisions are rushed into and then a tragedy happens because of an oversight or something getting missed.

I intend to write in but why whilst expressing my concerns in the delays but also the fact that they are obviously understaffed and over worked, hopefully these letters get passed on up the chain of command as justification for more bodies, but in this climate of cut back and make do I doubt anyone is listening.

Many people have commented on the proposed rises in cost of FAC/Renewal/Variations, I am personally amazed that the costs haven't gone up in years and would gladly pay more money to have the service we think we should have.

If I'm honest I spend more money in our works cafe in a month than my FAC costs for the five year period :G

Alan

Don't sympathise with them too much - most of it is of their on making. For example carrying out home visits for simple one for one variations, and moving on staff as soon as they get up to speed and having to train new staff all over again. It would speed up things considerably if they had staff who answered the phone and actually knew what they were talking about instead of having to go away and ask someone else or as so often happens giving out incorrect information.

I don't think that they can justify an increase in fees until they improve their game and actually provide the service that they should already be providing. Time management is what a lot of it comes down to. They could learn a lot from other agencies instead of empire building. Frankly if they can't do the job give it to someone who can such as a national firearms control board who should at least provide a consistant approach and service.

[bobbob]

<wanders in with day job hat on>

I wonder what would happen if some enterprising journalist was to collect stats on how many forces don't get renewed FACs back out in time to keep people legally safe, and refused to issue temporary permits in the meantime?

Good idea but you would probably have to join a lot of forums to get the information.

[25Pdr]

<wanders in with day job hat on>

I wonder what would happen if some enterprising journalist was to collect stats on how many forces don't get renewed FACs back out in time to keep people legally safe, and refused to issue temporary permits in the meantime?

Good idea but you would probably have to join a lot of forums to get the information.

This was on the Airgun Forum a while back..........

[Christel]

I was thinking that there must be some data somewhere and sure enough 25pdr came up with the goods :)

:goodjob:

[20series]

I knew I'd seen something somewhere

[Sim G]

How on earth can West Mercia justify those figures......?

[Chapuis]

What about those forces that didn't even bother to reply, funny enough Gwent is one of those.

[20series]

HOORAH!!! FLO just rang and he's coming Wednesday tea time party2

Too much to hope that he might come with my FAC already printed and signed and just have a chat before deciding if I'm ok or not :-P :-P

Alan