Firearms Guidance Update

Since the new firearms process went live from 1st April, there have been a very large number of complaints from GPs regarding fees payable for responding to the initial letter received from the police.

The BMA has therefore issued amended guidance. This clearly states that it is up to the GP to decide whether to undertake with work with or without charging a fee.

Fees for responding to the Police letter regarding firearms

It is up to the GP to assess how best to proceed regarding the charging of a fee, taking on board the following factors and guidance:

1. The work involved in responding to the letter is minimal and therefore can be undertaken easily without delay and without a fee.
   
2. The work involved in responding to the letter requires time and resources from the practice that necessitate a fee to be charged to the patient (the Police should not be charged). We would advise GPs to seek confirmation from the patient that they are in agreement to pay a fee before undertaking the work so not to cause additional confusion or delay. If there is a delay owing to this and you are unable to respond to the letter within the 21 days, please notify the police of this.
   
3.  No one in the practice is available (e.g. on holiday or off sick) to complete the work within 21 days. Please notify the police without delay.
4. The practice does not have the capacity to undertake the work within the 21 days. Please notify the police without delay.
5. That the GP has a conscientious objection to gun ownership and no other GP in the practice is available or able to undertake the work. Please notify the police without delay.