A proposed 153% increase in firearms licensing fees, which would take the cost of a firearm certificate from £98 to £250, has been strongly criticised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU).

According to the union, the proposed increase is excessive and fails to recognise the essential role firearms play in agriculture.

The proposed hike in fees is currently the subject of a public consultation, which runs to 29 May 2026.

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At present there are 54,000 firearms certificate holders in NI, with approximately 180,000 firearms held.

Cost recovery

In her forward to the consultation, Justice Minister Naomi Long said the proposed changes are designed to achieve full cost-recovery for firearms licencing by the PSNI.

At present, fees only contribute around 40% towards the cost of providing the service, leading to an estimated shortfall of almost £2m per year.

“This subsidy can no longer continue, especially at a time when funding and delivery of public services in NI are under pressure,” she said.

Fees have remained unchanged since 2016 when they stood at £50.

Unacceptable

Responding, UFU deputy president John McLenaghan said a 153% increase is unacceptable, pointing out that the use of firearms on local farms is a necessity and supports broader public outcomes, such as managing vermin and protecting livestock.

“Farmers should not be treated as an easy option to fill a budget gap,” he said.

He also highlighted the lack of any commitment to increase processing times or service delivery, despite being asked to pay significantly more.

“Any changes to fees must be matched by clear improvements in how the system operates,” said McLenaghan.