Tom Gordon MP: Firework Restrictions Will Fail Without Proper Resources

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has urged the Government to ensure that any tightening of restrictions on the sale of fireworks is matched with the funding and resources local authorities need to enforce the law effectively.  

Speaking during a parliamentary debate on fireworks, Tom warned that without proper enforcement powers and financial support, new restrictions risk being ineffective. He stressed that if the Government introduces tougher controls, including the possibility of a licensing scheme, councils must be properly resourced to make those measures work in practice.

Tom highlighted the growing pressure on local authorities, which are repeatedly expected to take on new responsibilities without the funding required to deliver them. He argued that this approach has failed time and again, undermining the impact of well-intentioned legislation and failing to deliver real solutions for communities.  

Commenting, Tom said:

‘Time and again, we see national legislation changed while local authorities are left without the power or funding to enforce it on the ground.  

‘If restrictions on fireworks are tightened, whether through a licensing scheme or other measures, the Government must ensure councils have the resources to enforce those rules properly. 

‘Without that support, this would be a job half done and risks being little more than words on a page.’