The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses has supported a proposal to increase the fee for a gun licence.

The organisation has responded to a Home Office consultation which asks whether firearms licensing fees administered by the police should be increased. Police forces in England, Wales and Scotland control the licence requirements for firearms and shotguns and the proposals will save constabularies money when applications for certificates are made online.

CLA President Henry Robinson said: “We believe the proposed fees represent a fair balance for both the public and the shooting community. It is right that the figures should be reviewed every few years to allow for an inflationary increase.

“It is also important to ensure the gun licensing system is modernised so the service is both efficient and effective across all constabularies. A failure to do so would not justify higher fees.”