UFU challenges proposed 153% increase in firearms licensing fees

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has launched a strong challenge to proposals that would see firearms licensing fees in Northern Ireland rise by up to 153%, warning the move could place yet another financial strain on already pressured farm businesses.

The proposed changes, put forward by the Department of Justice and now out for public consultation, would increase the cost of a firearm certificate from £98 to £250, alongside significant rises across other licensing categories.

For many farms across Northern Ireland, firearms are not optional equipment but an essential tool used for vermin control, livestock protection and day-to-day land management — making the scale of the proposed increase particularly contentious within the agricultural community.

Union warns of growing pressure on farm businesses

The UFU said the speed and scale of the proposed rise is excessive and reflects what it described as an overreliance on a full cost recovery model.

UFU Deputy President John McLenaghan said:

“A 153% increase is simply unacceptable. Farmers are already operating under significant financial pressure, and this proposal places yet another cost burden on them without sufficient justification.”

He continued:

“Firearms are not a luxury on farms, they are a necessity. Attempting to bridge a funding gap through a sudden and significant hike in fees is the wrong approach and shows a lack of understanding of how essential these tools are for farm businesses.”

The Union said the proposals fail to reflect the operational realities faced by farmers, many of whom are already contending with rising input costs and wider financial pressures across the sector.

“Not how good policy should be developed”

Mr McLenaghan said any changes must be introduced in a fair and proportionate way, rather than as what the Union sees as an overnight cost burden.

“If changes to the system are required, they must be introduced in a fair and measured way. It is not acceptable to impose a drastic increase overnight to cover a shortfall. That is not how good policy should be developed. Farmers should not be treated as an easy option to fill a budget gap.”

The UFU also raised concerns over the Department’s use of a full cost recovery approach, arguing that firearms licensing in agriculture delivers wider public benefits and should not be treated as a purely private, user-pays service.

Public interest and service concerns

The Union said there is a wider public interest in ensuring farmers can continue to manage vermin effectively, protect livestock and support rural safety.

“There is a clear public interest in ensuring farms can effectively manage vermin, protect livestock and support rural safety. This is not comparable to a standard chargeable service, and it is wrong to shift the full cost onto law-abiding users and responsible licence holders,” the Deputy President said.

Further concern has also been raised over the lack of any commitment to improve service delivery alongside the proposed fee rise.

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

The UFU said it intends to strongly oppose the proposals during the consultation process.

“These proposals fail to recognise the realities of farming and the essential role firearms play within it. We will be making it clear that a more balanced, evidence-based approach is required – one that supports farmers rather than placing additional burdens on them.”

The issue is likely to resonate strongly with farming communities across the Ballymena area and wider Northern Ireland, where firearms remain a practical necessity on many working farms.

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At a glance

• The Ulster Farmers’ Union has criticised proposed firearms licensing fee increases in Northern Ireland.

• The cost of a firearm certificate could rise from £98 to £250.

• This represents an increase of up to 153%.

• The proposals are part of a public consultation by the Department of Justice.

• The UFU says firearms are essential for vermin control and livestock protection on farms.

• Concerns have been raised over added financial pressure on farm businesses.

• The Union says there are no promised improvements to licensing service times.

• The UFU plans to strongly oppose the proposals during consultation.

• The issue is expected to be of significant interest to rural communities across Northern Ireland.