(This note is not part of the Rules)
These Rules make a number of amendments to the Firearms Rules 1998 (S.I. 1998/1941).
Rules 3 to 7 make changes to the rules relating to referees for applications for firearm certificates and shotgun certificates. Under the new arrangements, referees will no longer have to provide any signed statements, nor will they have to sign in ink on the back of a photograph to confirm that the photograph is a true likeness of the applicant. The purpose behind these changes is to allow for a move towards a fully electronic application process, in order to increase efficiency.
Rule 8 replaces two existing prescribed forms and one existing prescribed certificate with new prescribed forms and a new prescribed certitficate. The purpose of making these changes is to ensure that the forms concerned are sufficiently clear for the user, and to correct some minor errors in the text.
Rules 9 and 10 make provision to enable chief officers of police to process applications which are made using the old forms that are to be replaced, provided that the application concerned is submitted on or before 20th June 2014.