Pest controllers urged to respond as Home Office eyes shotgun licensing changes

Pest management professionals are being asked to share their views after the Home Office signalled it may consult on bringing shotgun licensing into line with tighter rifle controls.

While no formal consultation has yet been launched, the proposals under consideration could have significant implications for pest controllers who rely on shotguns for legitimate, professional work.

The British Pest Control Association has launched a sector survey to gather evidence on how potential changes could affect day-to-day operations, costs and business continuity.

Background to the proposals
Under the previous Conservative administration, the Home Office consulted on reforms to the firearms licensing system following recommendations from the Independent Office for Police Conduct and a Senior Coroner after the 2023 Plymouth shootings. That consultation did not propose changes to shotgun licensing.

In February 2025, under the current Labour Government, the Home Office published its response. It noted that some respondents had expressed disappointment that the earlier consultation had not explored closer alignment between shotgun controls and other firearms.

Concerns were reportedly raised by some law enforcement bodies and individuals affected by shotgun-related incidents, including issues around domestic storage in towns and cities. The Home Office has since indicated it intends to launch a further consultation on shotgun licensing before the end of 2025.

What could change?
If Section 2 shotgun licensing were merged with Section 1 firearms licensing, shotguns would effectively be treated in the same way as rifles.

For pest professionals, this could mean:

• Having to justify each individual shotgun purchase to police;
• Conditions imposed on where and how a shotgun may be used, without a right of appeal;
• Limits on the number of cartridges that can be purchased or held;
• New requirements to secure shotgun cartridges in a safe during storage and transport; and
• Removal of the ability to loan a shotgun to another certificate holder.

Industry bodies say the changes could increase administrative burdens and upfront costs, particularly if additional secure storage for ammunition is required. There are also concerns that tighter controls could make ongoing professional ownership more complex over time.

Pressure on an already stretched system
Any reforms would be introduced against a backdrop of strain within Firearms Licensing Departments. Around a quarter are reportedly taking more than a year to process applications.

Section 1 licences require more detailed justification, background checks and security assessments. Aligning shotgun licensing with that regime could increase application volumes and complexity, potentially leading to longer delays for new entrants and renewals alike.

For pest control businesses reliant on timely variations or renewals, this raises questions about operational resilience.

Industry response
BPCA said it’s working with other stakeholders, including the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, to ensure the professional use of shotguns in pest management is clearly understood by policymakers.

The association is urging pest professionals to complete its survey to help build an evidence base ahead of any formal consultation. It has also attended a recent parliamentary debate linked to a BASC petition on the issue.

With a consultation expected later this year, sector representatives say now is the time for pest controllers to outline how any changes could affect their work.

Take the survey, by clicking here.