*Most* FEOs are not actually working out of a police station nowadays. A lot are not even police officers, but rather were previously, or ex forces, working as civilians for the police. Most also work from home, simply accessing the databases for the paperwork.
The delay is purely down to the home visits... and like it or not, they have to comply with the restrictions also. So yes, the police CAN enter your house, if needed (i.e. an emergency), but most will consider a new SGC grant as non-critical. They have been working on backlogs as much as possible, clearing the renewals (most of which do not need a home visit prior).
I think you’ll find that they start up again pretty soon, with the latest easing of restrictions.
And don’t go by the web sites... the FEOs are pretty good generally speaking, and you’ll soon get the call to arrange the visit! Just because a web site says “not accepting new grants” doesn’t mean they are not working on the ones they have, checking GP records and ‘intelligence’ etc.
Fingers crossed for you all
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