New health check rules for gun licence applicants

People applying for a gun licence will now have to be checked out by their GP, said the force, which is in line with Home Office rules in a bid to boost safety.

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “As per Home Office guidance, anyone submitting an application for a firearm or shotgun licence, or for a renewal, must be subject to medical record checks with their GP.

“A GP will be given 21 days to highlight any concerns. Where a GP raises a concern further investigation will be required before the application can be completed.

“After 21 days if the GP has not raised any concerns then the application will progress.”

If a GP tells the police that a check has not been carried out, the licence applicant will have 28 days to resolve the issue.

The spokeswoman added: “The change in policy aims to improve the safeguarding measures involved in the current process, prioritising the safety of the licensee and the wider public and adherence to the guidance and policies directed by the Home Office.”

Anyone with concerns should contact David MacLeod or Robert Acton at the Firearms Licensing team, Carbrook House, 5 Carbrook Hall Road, Sheffield S9 2EH, or call 0114 296 4186.

Information is also available at https://www.southyorks.police.uk/sign-up/for-a-firearms-licence/