Backlog of applications for firearm certificates

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.026844

I note you seek access to the following information:

For clarity, this FOI request relates to the monthly backlog recorded on the London Metropolitan Police FET electronic database since its inception up to today for the applications received, but not yet processed, for
a. the grant of a new firearm or shotgun certificate, and
b. the grant of a renewal firearm of a shotgun certificate.

The FOI request is as follows:

1. Please provide the monthly backlog of unprocessed applications for the grant of a NEW firearm or shotgun certificate as recorded on the London Metropolitan Police FET electronic database.
2. Please provide the monthly backlog of unprocessed applications for the grant of the RENEWAL firearm or shotgun certificate as recorded on the London Metropolitan Police FET electronic database.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

However please note the term “processed” is not defined within the Firearms Act or Home Office Guidance.

	Grants	Renewals
Shotgun Certificate	711	737
Firearm Certificate	102	52

Please note these numbers are the current numbers of applications (at various stages) that have been received and not yet approved as there is no other accurate way of obtaining a ‘backlog’ figure. Also for further context to the above, please note that it takes on average 12-14 months for a case to be received and then completed.