RISES in the cost of firearms licences has been hailed a "victory for common sense" by Warwickshire Police Commissioner Ron Ball.

Mr Ball has spoken out in the past about the cost of these licenses and the heavy subsidy picked up by the tax payer.

In September 2014, Mr Ball wrote to the Prime Minister challenging the heavy subsidy applied to firearms licenses, and called David Cameron’s personal intervention in refusing to raise the current fee both “incomprehensible and indefensible”.

Currently, a firearm or shotgun licence costs £50 for a five-year period and renewals cost £40, but the Association of Chief Police Officers estimate police forces pay out approximately £200 per application.

It is claimed taxpayers in Warwickshire and West Mercia currently pay almost £1million per year towards subsidising the firearms license.

The cost includes checking databases, obtaining medical evidence, verifying the identity of the individual and their referee, reviewing storage and maintaining a database of holders and their weapons.

This is the first time in 15 years that the fees have been increased. The cost of a firearms certificate will rise from £50 to £88; a shotgun certificate will rise from £50 to £79.50; renewal of a firearms certificate will rise from £40 £62; and the renewal of a shotgun certificate will rise by £9 to £49.

Mr Ball said: “I had previously said that I can offer no justification at all to voters in Warwickshire as to why the shooting fraternity are given such privileged treatment, and are so heavily subsidised from my budget.

“This is a long overdue victory for common sense. I am delighted that the Prime Minister addressed what was essentially the provision of a generous subsidy.”