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Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, responded to the publication of the Government’s ten-year Drugs Strategy, which includes almost £780 million extra funding for drug treatment services 

“People with drug and alcohol problems should be able to get the right support and treatment when they need it, which this comprehensive strategy sets out to achieve.

“For many problem users, their first experience of treatment is the catalyst for getting the help they need to address their physical and mental health problems.

“Councils, which are responsible for public health, share this ambition and want to see vulnerable people being given another chance to find work, rebuild relationships and find safe and secure accommodation. 

“The stark reality is that drug deaths are at their highest levels since records began, drug use among young people has increased, and it is becoming clear that more people have died of alcohol-related causes during the pandemic.

“Boosting direct funding for drug treatment and recovery is helpful to meet rising demand, but we also need to see significant investment in the services which help prevent problems before they occur, such as in housing, youth services, mental health and children’s services.

“As this strategy outlines, investing in drug prevention and treatment now will reap benefits for everyone longer-term, including for the NHS, criminal justice and other public services. This needs to be supported by extra opportunities for users to gain employment, housing, mental health care and help from other agencies.”

Notes to Editors

From harm to hope: A 10-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives

Largest ever increase in funding for drug treatment