Drug treatment services need long term funding – LGA on PAC drug misuse report

Commenting on a report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) into tackling the harm from illegal drugs, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board said:

"Councils are absolutely committed to ensuring vulnerable people with substance misuse problems get the right support and have a proud record of helping to transform the lives of people living with addiction.

“However, as this report recognises, these services need greater and more long term funding certainty from government if they are to deliver the life changing benefits we know they can.

“Councils report that it is proving difficult to plan to expand services due to long term financial uncertainty, significant recruitment challenges and the inability to offer longer term contracts of employment.

“Drug treatment cuts crime, improves health, and can support individuals and families on the road to recovery, reflecting a return of £4 for every £1 invested.”