Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Deferred
Paragraph: 112
Concerns raised about new drug possession sanctions' impact on stigma and young people.
Conclusion
We welcome the Government’s ambition to reduce demand for drugs including recreational drugs. However, we have heard concerns that the three-tiered framework of escalating sanctions under the Swift, Certain, Tough: New Consequences for Drug Possession White Paper may have a negative impact in, for example, perpetuating stigma and in relation to young people.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges concerns about the White Paper's impact, stating they are currently analysing over 2,000 consultation responses and will publish a formal response in due course.
Paragraph Reference:
112
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The Government welcomes the Committee’s comments and recognises the concerns outlined in the report regarding the potential impact of the White Paper proposals. The Government published the Swift, Certain, Tough: New Consequences for Drug Possession White Paper on 4 April 2022. The White Paper set out the Government’s plans for a new three-tiered framework of escalating sanctions for drug possession offences. The White Paper was subject to a public consultation, which closed on 27 October 2022. The Government received over 2,000 responses to the consultation, and is currently analysing these responses to inform next steps. The Government will publish a formal response to the consultation in due course. The Government remains committed to ensuring that drug users are directed to treatment where appropriate, and that young people are not disproportionately affected by drug policy. We will consider the findings from the consultation, alongside other evidence and advice, to ensure that any new policy approaches are effective, proportionate and fair. In developing the White Paper, the Government considered a range of evidence, including from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), which provides data on drug use across different age groups. The Government also engaged with a range of stakeholders, including those representing young people and people with lived experience of drug dependency. The Drug Strategy is a ten-year plan to cut crime and save lives. It is underpinned by a record investment of over £3 billion over the first three years of delivery, and is focused on three key strategic priorities: breaking drug supply chains, delivering a world-class treatment and recovery system and achieving a generational shift in the demand for drugs. The Government is committed to tackling drug-related harm through a balanced approach, combining strong law enforcement with a world-class treatment and recovery system. The Government will provide the Committee with an update on the outcome of the consultation and next steps in due course.