Reps agree to oppose 'digital only' gun licence applications

COUNCILLORS have supported A Notice of Motion calling for a rethink on ‘digital only’ gun licence applications.

Ulster Unionist councillor Robert Foster, seconded by Independent Airport Independent Alderman Paul Michael moved that: “This Council notes with concern the recent transition of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Firearms and Explosives Branch to a ‘digital-only’ application system for the grant, regrant, and variation of firearms certificates.

“While we acknowledge the need for administrative efficiency, this council is deeply concerned that the mandatory online-only requirement - which necessitates the use of digital evidence, email/mobile contacts, and the completion of applications in a single digital session - creates a significant barrier for many residents within our Borough.

“This council believes that: A ‘digital-by-default’ mandate significantly alienates older applicants and those living in rural areas of Antrim and Newtownabbey with limited internet connectivity.

“This transition ignores the digital divide, effectively creating a two-tier system that discriminates against law-abiding citizens who may lack the hardware, scanning facilities, or digital literacy required by the new portal.

“Under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, public authorities have a statutory duty to promote equality of opportunity regardless of age.

“An online-only system without a paper-based alternative risks failing this duty. This council resolves to: Formally write to the Chief Constable of the PSNI and the Northern Ireland Policing Board expressing the Council’s opposition to the removal of paper- based applications.

“Call for the immediate implementation of a ‘Dual Process’ that allows for paper applications to ensure that no resident is excluded from their statutory right to apply for or renew a license based on their age or digital capability.

“Engage with local shooting clubs and rural stakeholders within the Borough to assess the full impact of these changes on our constituents.”

Alderman Michael has represented Northern Ireland internationally at clay pigeon shooting and Mr Foster said he was pleased to have his support.

He said: “To put this into context, when you apply for a passport or a school place on line, you can come back at any time to complete the application. This application for a gun licence must be completed in one single sitting.

Alderman Michael said that paper applications had served Northern Ireland well during ‘the dark days of the troubles’ and said at no time had anyone proposed doing away with paper applications for passports, driving licences or ID cards. He said the move would punish farmers targeting verminand pests, sports people representing people on the world stage, and ‘people enjoying the craic at the local gun club on a Saturday morning.”

Speaking after the meeting, DUP Airport Alderman Matthew Magill commented: “I was very pleased to support calls for the PSNI to rethink its digital only licensing decision, brought by Councillor Foster and Alderman Michael in a motion to council last night.

“It should be the most basic of principles that a public body is accessible to everyone in the delivery of its services.

“Unfortunately the decision by the PSNI Firearms Licensing Department to go fully digital flies in the face of that fundamental principle.

“With rural broadband connectivity continuing to be an issue across parts of Northern Ireland and with many older members of our community unable to sufficiently navigate digital platforms, the decision by the PSNI raises major concerns around equality of accessibility.

“I join with council colleagues and call for the PSNI to move quickly to rectify this situation, to do the right thing and reinstate a hard copy application option for those unable to submit such digitally.”

The motion saw unanimous approval.