FOI 417998

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 417998

I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 27^th June 2025. Please find below the response to your request:

1. A) The number of firearm and/or shotgun certificates held by people under the age of 18, with a total number for each age.

(eg. 17-year-olds = 100 certificates, etc.)

1. B) If possible, a list of reasons for firearm ownership among non-adults, with a total number of certificates issued for each.

(eg. Sporting = 20 certificates, Collection = 10 certificates, etc.)

If part B is not possible, then data just for part A would satisfy this request.

Reply

1. A) The number of firearm and/or shotgun certificates held by people under the age of 18, with a total number for each age.

(eg. 17-year-olds = 100 certificates, etc.)

Due to low numbers where it is less than 5 is represented as <5. This is due the potential identification of individuals.>

Your request for information has been considered in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“the Act”), and I am not obliged to provide the information requested.

The following exemption is applicable to the information requested:

• S.40(2) – Personal information

S.40(2) is an absolute, class-based exemption and therefore there is no requirement to evidence harm or conduct a public interest test.

This exemption is engaged where disclosure of information relates to personal data of a third party or could lead to the identification of an individual, either from that information alone or combined with other information from within the Police Service or public domain. In this case, the information you are requesting is personal data of a third party.

Such a disclosure would breach an individual’s rights under the Data Protection Act 2018, in particular Article 5(1) of the UK GDPR which states that personal data shall be processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner in relation to the data subject. Such a disclosure would also be likely to breach s.8 Human Rights Act 1998 which states that everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence.

In accordance with s.17(1) of the Act, this acts as a Refusal Notice.

1. B) If possible, a list of reasons for firearm ownership among non-adults, with a total number of certificates issued for each.

(eg. Sporting = 20 certificates, Collection = 10 certificates, etc.)

Due to potential identification (exemption detail above) there are <5, the reason for these are land/vermin shooting and target shooting.>