NI farmers hit out at 'unacceptable' 153% firearms licence fee hike

A proposed 153% hike in firearms licensing fees has sparked backlash from farmers in Northern Ireland, as concerns grow over the impact on farms and rural communities.

The Department of Justice has launched a public consultation on the changes, which would see the cost of a firearm certificate more than double from £98 to £250.

The proposals form part of a move towards a full cost recovery model, aimed at ensuring the licensing system reflects the true administrative costs of processing and managing applications.

Officials have indicated the changes are intended to address funding pressures within the system, though critics argue the scale of the increase is disproportionate.

Firearms are widely used across farms for vermin control and livestock protection, making them a routine and essential part of agricultural operations rather than a discretionary cost, particularly in rural areas where alternative pest control options may be limited.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union said the scale and speed of the proposed increase are excessive, warning the approach fails to recognise the role firearms play in supporting both farm businesses and wider rural safety.

UFU Deputy President John McLenaghan said a 153% rise is “simply unacceptable”, warning farmers are already under significant financial pressure.

“Farmers are already operating under significant financial pressure, and this proposal places yet another cost burden on them without sufficient justification,” he said.

He stressed that firearms are “not a luxury on farms, they are a necessity”, and said using fee increases to bridge a funding gap “shows a lack of understanding of how essential these tools are for farm businesses”.

Mr McLenaghan also questioned the policy approach, warning that any changes should be introduced gradually rather than through a sharp increase.

He said it is “not acceptable to impose a drastic increase overnight to cover a shortfall”, calling instead for a more measured and evidence-based approach.

The farming body also raised concerns about the Department’s reliance on a full cost recovery model, arguing firearms licensing delivers wider public benefits and should not be treated as a purely user-funded service.

“There is a clear public interest in ensuring farms can effectively manage vermin, protect livestock and support rural safety,” Mr McLenaghan said.

The UFU further criticised the lack of guarantees around service improvements, warning farmers could face higher fees without better processing times or delivery.

“Farmers are being asked to pay significantly more, yet there are no guarantees of faster processing times or improved service delivery. That is not acceptable,” he added.

The proposals are currently out for consultation, with responses expected from a range of stakeholders as debate continues over how licensing costs should be shared between users and the public purse.