FOI 416855
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 416855
I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 18th June 2025. Please find below the response to your request:
To refine my request within cost limits, please provide the following **readily available metrics** for the most recent reporting period:
- **Processing Times (Application Receipt → Decision)**
- Average & median days for *new* firearm/shotgun certificates
- Average & median days for *renewal* firearm/shotgun certificates - **Application Volumes (Last 12 Months)**
- *New applications* received | Granted | Refused
- *Renewal applications* received | Granted | Refused - **Current Backlog**
- Pending applications (new + renewals)
Reply
West Mercia Police hold the requested information.
Caveat: The figures are accurate as at 22/06/2025.
To refine my request within cost limits, please provide the following **readily available metrics** for the most recent reporting period:
- **Processing Times (Application Receipt → Decision)**
- Average & median days for *new* firearm/shotgun certificates
In 2025 (so far, year to date) West Mercia Firearms Licencing Unit have completed:
Shotgun - 389 grant applications
Average days - 253 to complete (from application to completion)
Median - 214 days
Firearms - 205 grant applications
Average - 510 days
Median - 576 days
- Average & median days for *renewal* firearm/shotgun certificates
Shotgun renewals - 1461
Average - 102 days
Median - 98 days
Firearm renewals - 625
Average - 76 days
Median - 68 days
- **Application Volumes (Last 12 Months)**
- *New applications* received | Granted | Refused
Total firearm / shotgun applications completed 2024 - 1776
Total firearm / shotgun applications completed 2025 - 642
- *Renewal applications* received | Granted | Refused
Total firearms / shotgun renewals completed 2024 - 4106
Total firearms / shotgun renewals completed 2025 - 2086
Refusals and revocations:
2024 - 228 applications were refused or revoked
2025 (to date) - 170 applications have been refused or revoked
- **Current Backlog**
- Pending applications (new + renewals)
Current pending firearm / shotgun grants (new) - 939
Current pending firearm / shotgun renewals - 639