Recommendation 51

We support the use of DAT supported by wrap-around psychosocial support. The impressive Middlesbrough DAT programme that we witnessed held benefits for both the public health and criminal justice sectors. We are most disappointed that joint local funding from both the health and criminal justice sectors could not be secured for the programme. That said, we recognise the cost of the programme and the difficult decisions that need to be made by local stakeholders when allocating funds to services. Given the rate of opioid-related deaths in England, it is not further consideration that is required from central government, it is swift action.