Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
Make DHSC and Home Office jointly responsible for drug policy with a cross-departmental minister.
Recommendation
In line with the spirit of the partnership approach in the 10-Year Drugs Strategy, we recommend that the Government make the Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office jointly responsible for drug policy. We recommend that the Combating Drugs portfolio be held by a minister that sits across both departments. There is already precedent of Home Office ministers sitting across other departments such as the Ministry of Justice. The Home Office and law enforcement authorities would continue to respond to the illicit production and supply of drugs. (Paragraph 65) 74 Drugs
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Combating Drugs Minister's portfolio already spans six government departments, which goes further than the recommendation for joint responsibility between only the Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Combating Drugs Minister and his portfolio go further than this recommendation, sitting across six government departments. In 2021, the Government established the first sponsor minister for combating illicit drug use for 25 years. Appointed by the Prime Minister, the role is currently held by Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Polic