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Written question asked by Lord Cameron of Lochiel (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Knives: Amnesties

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government how many weapons were placed in their surrender bins in (1) 2023, (2) 2024, and (3) 2025, broken down by (a) category of weapons, and (b) region.

Answer

The Government did not fund and provide surrender bins prior to 2025, when the Government funded 37 surrender bins, with 33 bins located in London, 1 in Greater Manchester and 3 in the West Midlands to support the extended knife surrender scheme held in July last year.

A total of 2,787 knives and weapons were deposited in the surrender bins.

Since the installation, one bin in London has been vandalised by graffiti.

The maintenance costs in 2025/26 for the surrender bins is £32,500 which includes the collection and disposal of surrendered weapons.

In relation to the impact of the surrender bins, the data the Government published demonstrates that they are being well used. The Government promoted the use of the surrender bins during the extended surrender arrangements and is continuing to encourage their use through engagement with the relevant local authorities and community safety leads.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL13509
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Amnesties Knives
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk