Government consultation: Saltford Parish Council calls for stronger controls on consumer fireworks

Saltford Parish Council (SPC) has agreed and submitted its response to the UK Government’s consultation on the future regulation of fireworks and pyrotechnics.

The consultation is open until Wednesday 7 October 2026. Information is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk#ministerial-foreword

The consultation, launched by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, is seeking views on proposals to reduce the harm and nuisance associated with fireworks while allowing their continued use for celebrations and community events.

Information shared by the Government includes:

“Research from the Home Office in 2022 found more than 3,000 fires over the last 12 years had been caused by fireworks[footnote 15]. Disruptive, anti-social and criminal misuse is seen around Halloween and Bonfire Night, and increasingly throughout the year. In some areas, those working in the police and fire service have faced attacks by assailants armed with fireworks. There are frequent reports of other pyrotechnic products, such as smoke bombs and flares, being used inside and around football stadiums. However, the list of fireworks prohibited on public safety grounds has remained unchanged for over a decade.“

“Polling undertaken by OPSS in both 2021 and 2025 shows that public feeling towards fireworks is strengthening. Whilst the polling shows that fireworks, and in particular public display fireworks, remain consistently popular, the negative impacts from fireworks are becoming more widespread. In 2021, OPSS research found that 55 percent of respondents said private fireworks displays disturb the peace and quiet in their area[footnote 16]. In 2025, 71 percent of respondents said their dislike of fireworks noise came from the disturbance to peace and quiet[footnote 1]. In 2021, 20 percent reported having experienced anti-social behaviour relating to fireworks. But, in 2025, over half of respondents had personally witnessed fireworks being set off in a public place or after 1am, both of which are criminal offences[footnote 1].“

“The proposals in the consultation aim to address these issues and minimise the risk of a black market emerging. However, we are particularly interested in hearing from industry and local authorities and Trading Standards about our proposals in light of these concerns.”

Saltford Parish Council’s response to the consultation

At its September 2026 meeting, the Parish Council resolved to support tighter controls on fireworks available for purchase by the general public.

In particular, the Council supported restricting Category F2 and F3 fireworks – which include garden fireworks and larger display fireworks – so that they are only available for licensed public events and professional users. The Council believes this would help address concerns about excessive noise, disturbance, inappropriate use, safety risks and the distress caused to residents, pets, wildlife and farm animals.

SPC’s response highlighted the impact that loud fireworks can have on domestic animals and livestock, which can experience fear, panic and disorientation during fireworks displays. Concerns were also raised about the effect on wildlife and on residents who may be elderly, vulnerable or particularly sensitive to sudden loud noises.

The Government consultation also asked whether the maximum permitted noise level for consumer fireworks should be reduced from the current 120 dB limit. Options under consideration include limits of 110 dB, 100 dB and 90 dB.

In line with previous Council resolutions, Saltford Parish Council expressed support for the strongest option proposed: a maximum noise level of 90 dB for fireworks sold to the public. SPC considered this a proportionate approach that would retain the visual and celebratory aspects of fireworks while substantially reducing disturbance, nuisance and potential harm.

SPC’s response notes that a lower noise limit could:

  • Reduce distress to pets, wildlife and farm animals.
  • Lessen the impact on residents, particularly vulnerable people and those living with conditions such as PTSD.
  • Help reduce noise nuisance and antisocial behaviour associated with the misuse of fireworks.
  • Contribute to improved public safety.

SPC did not identify any significant negative impacts from reducing the noise limit, noting that fireworks would remain available for public enjoyment but with less impact on those who do not choose to participate.

Finally, Saltford Parish Council urged that any changes resulting from the consultation should be implemented as soon as practically possible in order to deliver benefits for residents, animals and the wider environment.

Have your say

The Government consultation remains open until 7 October 2026 and seeks views on a range of proposals relating to fireworks and pyrotechnics regulation across the UK.

To view a summary of the Governments proposals visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk#summary-of-proposals

To respond to the consultation directly visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk#ministerial-foreword

SPC’s ongoing support for responsible firework use

Each year, Saltford Parish Council encourages residents to use fireworks responsibly and to be mindful of the impact they can have on neighbours, wildlife, horses, livestock and pets. The Council also seeks to publicise local organised displays so that residents who may be affected by fireworks are aware of when and where they are taking place.

To find out more, read the Council’s 2025 article,’Fireworks in Saltford: Be a firework friendly neighbour & local display listings‘.

Top Tips for considerate firework use

  •  Let your neighbours know in advance if you’re planning fireworks – especially those with animals, young children, or elderly family members Consider low-noise fireworks, which still offer a colourful display without the loud bangs. Or start off with quieter fireworks so that neighbours can get their pets inside and prepare in other ways.
  •  Clean up afterwards – disposing of litter and debris protects our green spaces and wildlife Check out the RSPCA’s advice for animal-friendly celebrations:
    rspca.org.uk/campaign/fireworks/friendly

For more information and guidance for anyone planning a firework display or looking for more information about the impact of fireworks, visit: B&NES Council – Firework Advice.

 Find out more about the RSPCA’s #BeAKindSpark 2024 campaign on its ‘Be a firework friendly neighbour for animals‘ page, which also includes advice how to approach conversation with neighbours about fireworks.

Image shows fireworks in Saltford and a message saying 'be a firework friendly neighbour!'

SPC shares information each year to remind everyone about being ‘a firework friendly neighbour’, as in the image above (fireworks photo taken at a Saltford School display).