Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Third Report - Drugs
Home Affairs Committee
HC 198
Published 31 August 2023
Recommendations
2
Accepted
Para 16
Balance criminal justice response to drugs with increased public health initiatives.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government balances its criminal justice response to drugs with an increased public health response that seeks to prevent and treat drug use and tackle the root causes of drug use through, for example, a broad range …
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Government Response Summary
The government claims its current legislative framework and Drug Strategy already provide a balanced public health and criminal justice response, supported by significant investment and existing initiatives to prevent, treat, and reduce drug-related harms.
Home Office
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4
Rejected
Para 20
Reform 1971 Act and 2001 Regulations, integrating public health with law enforcement.
Recommendation
We recommend that the UK Government reform the 1971 Act and 2001 Regulations in a way that promotes a greater role for public health in our response to drugs, whilst maintaining our law enforcement to tackling the illicit production and …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation for reform, stating it has no plans for fundamental changes to the 1971 Act or 2001 Regulations, believing existing legislation supports a balanced public health and law enforcement approach.
Home Office
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6
Rejected
Para 29
Commission the ACMD to review drug classification and scheduling systems, with regular updates.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Home Office commission the ACMD to review whether the most commonly used controlled drugs in the UK are correctly classified under the 1971 Act and correctly scheduled under the 2001 Regulations based on the scientific evidence …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation for a broad, commissioned review of drug classifications and scheduling, stating it has no plans for such a review and is largely satisfied with current controls, noting the ACMD can also self-commission reviews.
Home Office
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7
Deferred
Para 30
Urgently move psychedelic drugs to Schedule 2 to facilitate medical research.
Recommendation
We welcome the UK Government’s commitment to reducing barriers to researching psychedelic drugs under Schedule 1 to the 2001 Regulations. Pending the outcomes of the ACMD’s ongoing review of Schedule 1 controlled drugs, we recommend the UK Government urgently moves …
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Government Response Summary
The government defers action on moving psychedelic drugs to Schedule 2, awaiting the ACMD's advice from an ongoing Part 2 review that will consider extending Schedule 2 status for research purposes to all Schedule 1 drugs.
Home Office
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12
Accepted
Para 45
Increase monitoring of synthetic drug trafficking and prioritise heroin dependency treatment.
Recommendation
To mitigate this risk, we recommend the Government, in partnership with the devolved administrations, increase its monitoring of synthetic drugs being trafficked in, and around, the UK, and prioritise supporting people with a chronic heroin dependency into treatment and recovery.
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Government Response Summary
The government states that UK agencies are highly alert to the threat, detailing existing monitoring efforts through NCA resources, Border Force seizures, and Combating Drugs Partnerships, and refers to a £900m investment that includes drug treatment services.
Home Office
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13
Accepted
Para 46
Prepare a strategy to mitigate increased supply of synthetic opioids across the UK.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government must prepare a strategy to mitigate the risk of an increase in the supply and availability of synthetic opioids in the UK before the end of this Parliament.
Government Response Summary
The government states that UK agencies are highly alert to the threat and details existing efforts through the Drug Strategy, significant investment, resources for NCA and international networks, and multi-agency partnerships, implying these measures serve as their strategy to mitigate the risk.
Home Office
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16
Rejected
Publish the ACMD’s 2016 report or provide a confidential copy within one month.
Recommendation
We, once again, request that the Home Office publish the ACMD’s 2016 report. At the very least, we request that the Home Office provide us with a confidential copy of the document within one month of receiving this report. Failing …
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Government Response Summary
The government explicitly rejects the request to publish the 2016 ACMD report or provide a confidential copy, explaining that the paper was marked confidential by the ACMD itself and its publication would be inappropriate.
Home Office
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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 …
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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.
Home Office
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19
Not Addressed
Ensure long-term funding for drug treatment services with three-year cycles and ringfenced grants.
Recommendation
We are concerned about the long-term sustainability and security of funding for the drug treatment and recovery sector. (Paragraph 74) a) We welcome the Government’s latest funding announcement, which provides funding in England over a two year period. However, we …
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Government Response Summary
The government response only included the text of the recommendation, with no actual response.
Home Office
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21
Accepted in Part
Para 86
Update the 10-Year Drugs Strategy to increase available harm reduction approaches for treatment.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government update the strategy to increase the range of harm reduction approaches available to support a person’s treatment and recovery from drugs in line with the approaches outlined in this report.
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted the recommendation, stating it already provides a broad range of harm reduction interventions, including increasing naloxone availability and supporting local provision of other medicines. It committed to continuing to update guidance on evidence-based harm reduction interventions.
Home Office
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23
Accepted in Part
Para 99
Devise and publish a cross-departmental action plan and UK-wide campaign to tackle drug stigma.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Combating Drugs Minister leads on devising a cross- departmental action plan to tackle stigma. In devising the action plan, the Government must engage with people with lived experience of drugs and stakeholders in the drug treatment …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, agreeing on the importance of reducing stigma and committing to cross-government work and collaboration with devolved administrations. However, they reject the specific request for a published cross-departmental action plan, instead tasking OHID to lead a workstream and publish a report on stigma's impact.
Home Office
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25
Accepted
Para 101
Prioritise identifying and addressing local barriers to drug treatment and recovery.
Recommendation
We recommend that Combating Drugs Partnerships prioritise identifying the likely barriers to treatment and recovery for people within their local area and take steps to address these barriers as part of fulfilling their commitments under the 10-Year Drugs Strategy.
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Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, affirming that Combating Drugs Partnerships (CDPs) have a crucial role and are responsible for identifying and addressing local barriers to treatment and recovery as part of the Drug Strategy. OHID also supports national and regional networks for sharing good practice.
Home Office
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27
Not Addressed
Para 103
Explain recognition and inclusion of lived experience voices in national drug strategy implementation.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government explain how the voices of people with experience of drug-related harms are being recognised and included in national efforts to implement the strategy.
Government Response Summary
The government stated it accepted the recommendation but did not explain how the voices of people with lived experience of drug-related harms are specifically recognised and included in the national efforts to implement the strategy. The response focused on local partnerships and broader initiatives.
Home Office
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29
Accepted
Para 105
Embed specialist practical and mental health support for families of drug users.
Recommendation
We recommend that local authorities use the funding allocated under the 10-Year Drugs Strategy to embed specialist practical and mental health support within drug treatment and support services for the families and the loved ones of people who use, or …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, confirming that the £533 million Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Grant allocated to local authorities can be used to develop local services supporting families and carers, including embedding specialist mental health support. OHID also provides guidance for local areas on this.
Home Office
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34
Acknowledged
Para 125
Implement report recommendations on harm reduction, especially expanding drug diversion schemes for offenders.
Recommendation
We recommend the Government build on the harm reduction measures within the strategy by implementing the recommendations on harm reduction outlined in this report, particularly our recommendations on expanding diversion schemes.
Government Response Summary
The government states it accepts the recommendations, detailing its existing whole-system approach under the Drug Strategy and investments in early intervention programs, but does not specify new actions to build on harm reduction measures or expand diversion schemes.
Home Office
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35
Accepted
Para 126
Link children and young people's drug treatment services with exploitation services for holistic support.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government work with local partners to link up drug treatment services for children and young people with exploitation services to ensure that they receive holistic support.
Government Response Summary
The government states it accepts the recommendations and is working with NHS England to ensure better integration between drug and alcohol treatment and children's mental health services, providing holistic support for young people.
Home Office
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36
Deferred
Para 127
Adopt a statutory definition of Child Criminal Exploitation to ensure consistent application.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government consider adopting a statutory definition on Child Criminal Exploitation.
Government Response Summary
The government states it accepts the recommendations and will consider adopting a statutory definition on Child Criminal Exploitation as part of ongoing work, including reviewing findings from the Modern Slavery Act 2015 consultation.
Home Office
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37
Accepted in Part
Pilot inclusion of Prevention Officers within County Lines Taskforces to share good practice.
Recommendation
We welcome the British Transport Police’s efforts to improve responses to child exploitation through the secondment of two Prevention Officers from the Children’s Society. We recommend that the Government work with other police forces with a dedicated County Lines Taskforce …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, highlighting existing funding for the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre and specialist posts, but states it will "further consider" the specific recommendation to pilot Prevention Officers within County Lines Taskforces.
Home Office
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39
Accepted
Para 140
Provide interim assessment of Project ADDER by January 2024 and updated assessment post-2025 conclusion.
Recommendation
As the Project ADDER pilot is set to continue until 2025, we recommend the Home Office provide us with an interim assessment of the pilot by January 2024. The Home Office must also provide us with an updated assessment of …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation and commits to providing an interim assessment of the Project ADDER pilot by January 2024, followed by an updated assessment within three months of its conclusion in 2025.
Home Office
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40
Accepted in Part
Extend Project ADDER nationally or preserve progress in pilot locations post-2025 conclusion.
Recommendation
We recommend that Project ADDER be extended across all of England and Wales if the assessments indicate that the Project is effect in achieving all of its aims: reducing drug-related deaths, drug-related offending, drug use, and disrupting the supply and …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, deferring a decision on extending Project ADDER until after the 2025 evaluation, but commits to being clear on how progress will be preserved in existing pilot locations beyond 2025, through mechanisms like Combating Drugs Partnerships.
Home Office
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42
Rejected
Para 149
Support piloting of safe consumption facilities in areas of demonstrated local need.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government support the piloting of safe consumption facilities in areas across the UK where there is deemed to be a need by local government and stakeholders.
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to pilot safe consumption facilities, stating it does not support them and has no plans to create a legal framework due to existing offences.
Home Office
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43
Rejected
Para 150
Support Glasgow safe consumption facility pilot, creating legislative pathway and ensuring joint funding.
Recommendation
In particular, we recommend the Government support a pilot in Glasgow by creating a legislative pathway under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 that enables such a facility to operate legally. The pilot in Glasgow must be jointly funded by …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to support and fund a pilot safe consumption facility in Glasgow and create a legislative pathway, citing its lack of support for such facilities and the absence of a legal framework.
Home Office
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44
Rejected
Para 162
Establish a national drug checking service in England for anonymous postal sample submission.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Home Office and Department of Health and Social Care jointly establish a national drug checking service in England to enable people to submit drug samples by post anonymously. We recommend the Home Office consult stakeholders on …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to establish a national drug checking service, stating it implies approval of illicit drug use and is contrary to their zero-tolerance strategy, though it highlighted existing systems for detecting new psychoactive substances.
Home Office
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45
Rejected
Para 163
Expand on-site drug checking services and establish a dedicated licensing scheme for temporary events.
Recommendation
We recommend the expansion of on-site drug checking services at temporary events such as music festivals and within the night-time economy. We recommend that the Home Office establish a dedicated licensing scheme for drug checking at such events before the …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to expand on-site drug checking services and establish a licensing scheme, arguing such services imply approval of illicit drug use and conflict with their zero-tolerance strategy.
Home Office
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46
Accepted
Para 167
Ensure appropriate psychosocial support and flexible access to opioid substitution treatment for patients.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government work with local authorities and health partners to ensure that people receive appropriate psychosocial support in addition to their opioid substitution treatment and ensure that they can continue to access opioid substitution treatment at a …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, citing its 10-year Drug Strategy, £533m additional funding for local authorities, and the publication of commissioning quality standards and updated guidance by OHID to ensure appropriate psychosocial support and flexible opioid substitution treatment.
Home Office
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48
Accepted
Para 169
Commit to establishing long-acting buprenorphine as first-line treatment for opioid dependence in England.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government go further than its commitment under the 10- Year Drugs Strategy to explore the rollout of long-acting buprenorphine and commit to establishing it as a first-line treatment option in England for people with an opioid …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating its 10-year Drug Strategy and additional funding aim to increase high-quality treatment options, and OHID guidance ensures people can access a range of treatments, including long-acting buprenorphine, at a pace meeting their needs.
Home Office
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49
Accepted in Part
Para 171
Replicate Scotland’s medication-assisted treatment standards in England to ensure consistent minimum care.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government replicate Scotland’s medication-assisted treatment standards in England to ensure that a consistent, minimum standard of care is available to people accessing opioid substitution treatment. In doing so, the 78 Drugs Government must first consult stakeholders …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted the recommendation, stating it will review Scottish medication-assisted treatment standards to incorporate them into English guidance where appropriate, noting that England already uses a similar opioid substitution treatment self-assessment tool developed with stakeholder input.
Home Office
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50
Rejected
Para 175
Ensure sustainable supply of prescribed diamorphine for patients facing shortages.
Recommendation
We are concerned by reported shortages of prescribed diamorphine, particularly because of the serious impact they may have on the health and lives of patients. As prescribed diamorphine is a viable form of treatment in England, the Government must work …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to ensure a sustainable supply of prescribed diamorphine, stating ongoing manufacturing issues, clinical advice to use morphine as a first-line alternative due to no clinical advantages of diamorphine, and reduced NHS usage.
Home Office
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52
Rejected
Para 185
Provide centralised funding to support Diamorphine Assisted Treatment, urgently re-establishing Middlesbrough's programme.
Recommendation
We repeat the ACMD’s 2016 recommendation that the Government provide centralised funding to support the provision of DAT for people with a chronic heroin dependency for whom other forms of OST have not been successful. The centralised funding should first …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation for centralised funding for DAT, reiterating that local authorities are responsible for commissioning and funding these interventions based on local needs.
Home Office
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53
Accepted
Para 186
Change public health guidance for diamorphine provision to allow multi-dose vials.
Recommendation
We recommend that public health guidance on the provision of diamorphine be changed to allow for the use of multi-dose vials instead of single-use ampoules to mitigate the additional cost and supply chain pressures associated with single-use ampoules.
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Government Response Summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating existing guidance already permits multi-dose vials, and NHS England has committed to reviewing this guidance to ensure it remains current.
Home Office
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57
Accepted in Part
Para 206
Establish a national naloxone programme in England and rapidly expand provision to at-risk groups.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government establish a national naloxone programme in England to bring it in line with the devolved nations. We also recommend that the Government speed up its work on expanding the provision of naloxone following the UK-wide …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted, explaining that naloxone provision is already supported by local public health grants and £1.6 million from the SSMTR Grant. OHID is developing legislative changes to broaden supply, and work is underway with HMPPS to increase availability, including for prison leavers.
Home Office
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59
Accepted in Part
Mandate all police forces to roll out voluntary naloxone provision, including funding and training.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Home Office requires all 43 police forces in England and Wales to roll out the voluntary provision of naloxone by operational officers. Volunteer officers must be provided with adequate training in the carrying and administration of …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted, rejecting the requirement for mandatory rollout by all police forces, stating it's an operational decision for Chief Constables. However, the Home Office is supporting the NPCC in addressing barriers and developing national guidance for police officers carrying naloxone.
Home Office
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61
Deferred
Para 219
Mandate all police forces to establish standardised diversion schemes for low-level drug offences.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Home Office place a duty on all 43 police forces in England and Wales to establish diversion schemes in their force area for young people and adults who have committed low-level offences. The duty must outline …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes existing Out of Court Disposal (OOCD) pathways and plans to roll out pilots to expand OOCD use for drug possession offences in a small number of forces. This work aims to establish a national picture and provide an evidence base for future policy approaches, rather than immediately placing a duty on all forces.
Home Office
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62
Accepted in Part
Para 220
Mandate police forces to record diversion scheme use for national overview and best practice.
Recommendation
We recommend that police forces record the use of diversion schemes in their force areas to develop a national picture and an understanding of best practice. The Home Office must regularly update the guidance to incorporate this evidence base.
Government Response Summary
The government aims to establish a more detailed national picture of Out of Court Disposals by examining their provision in all 43 police forces as part of an expansion pilot for drug possession offences. This work will provide an evidence base for future policy approaches regarding diversion schemes.
Home Office
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64
Deferred
Establish trauma-informed policing training and guidance for all police forces in England and Wales.
Recommendation
We recommend that trauma-informed training and practices be expanded to all 43 police forces in England and Wales. The Home Office must work with police forces and stakeholders to establish training and guidance on trauma-informed policing. The training and guidance …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that further pilots, research, and evaluation are needed before trauma-informed practices can be scaled up significantly across all police forces due to limited evidence. The Home Office has shared insights with the College of Policing, which is responsible for setting standards and providing training for police forces.
Home Office
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66
Rejected
Para 233
Widen NHS accessibility of unlicensed cannabis-based medicinal products before Parliament ends.
Recommendation
Pending the outcome of the ACMD’s review, we recommend that the Government widens the accessibility of unlicensed CBPMs on the NHS before the end of this Parliament.
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly rejects the recommendation to widen accessibility of unlicensed CBPMs, stating it is a clinical decision and that more evidence is needed to support routine prescribing. They encourage manufacturers to conduct research and are working to establish clinical trials.
Home Office
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68
Accepted in Part
Para 234
Support randomised control trials into effectiveness of CBPMs for chronic pain treatment.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government supports researchers to conduct randomised control trials into the effectiveness of CBPMs to treat chronic pain. If the evidence base supports this, and it is deemed to be cost-effective, we recommend that the Government enables …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation to support research into CBPMs for chronic pain, clarifying that researchers can seek scientific advice and apply for funding through the NIHR. They note that funding is competitive and emphasize the current lack of evidence, with NICE recommending further research.
Home Office
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71
Accepted
Further support Northern Ireland officials and communities responding to drugs during political stalemate.
Recommendation
In the absence of an operational Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, the Government must further support officials and communities in Northern Ireland to respond to drugs. This must include support to develop and sustain early intervention and prevention initiatives under …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to supporting the Northern Ireland Executive's efforts against paramilitarism by providing c.£8 million per year until March 2024 and a further c.£8 million for 2024-2025. It also highlights an upcoming UK Drugs Ministerial meeting to enhance collaboration on drug issues.
Home Office
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Conclusions (33)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 16
There is increasing support for public health responses as a tool to respond to drugs, and the adoption of such responses are within the spirit of the Drug Control Conventions.
Government Response Summary
The government states its existing Drug Strategy already delivers a balanced approach combining public health and criminal justice responses, backed by significant funding and existing initiatives like the Joint Combating Drugs Unit and harm reduction programmes.
3
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 20
We conclude the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 require reform.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the conclusion, stating it has no plans for fundamental reform of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 or the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, believing current legislation is appropriate and compatible with a balanced approach.
5
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 29
We welcome the ACMD’s work reviewing the status of drugs controlled under Schedule 1 to the 2001 Regulations. However, we conclude a wider review is required.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the conclusion that a wider review is required, stating it has no plans for a broad review and is satisfied with the current classification of most commonly used drugs, though it has acted on nitrous oxide.
8
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 42
We recognise that the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 was enacted to deal with the surge in new psychoactive substances (NPS) and the related health harms. We note that it was successful in removing the open sale of NPS but are concerned with the use of NPS among vulnerable populations, such …
Government Response Summary
The government describes existing legislation and ongoing measures, including the completion of the £100m Security Investment Programme and the deployment of drug trace detection units and X-ray scanners, to tackle the use of psychoactive substances, particularly in prisons.
9
Conclusion
Deferred
We are concerned about the increasing prevalence of benzodiazepine use, and its implication in drug misuse deaths, across the UK. We await the outcome of the Home Office’s consultation on the creation of a new offence to better enable law enforcement to prove the illicit use of pill presses. (Paragraph …
Government Response Summary
The government shares the committee's concerns, notes steps already taken to control benzodiazepines, and commits to providing an update on the pill press consultation outcome by 18 December 2023.
10
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 43
The Combating Drugs Minister must write to us with an update on the outcome of the consultation before 18 December 2023.
Government Response Summary
The government commits to providing the committee with an update on the consultation outcome on or before 18 December 2023.
11
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 44
We are alarmed by the health and social harms of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. We are concerned that a reduction in the global supply of heroin will have the effect of people with an opioid dependency turning to even more potent and harmful synthetic opioids, which have contributed to …
Government Response Summary
The government states that UK agencies are highly alert to the synthetic drug threat, detailing existing Drug Strategy elements, £900m investment, additional resources for the NCA and Border Force, and engagement through Combating Drugs Partnerships and international fora to address the issue.
14
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 54
The ACMD seeks to provide scientific, evidence-based recommendations to support the development of evidence-based drug policy. We note that the Home Office appears more likely to adopt advice to increase the classification of a controlled drug than it is to adopt advice to reduce the classification of a controlled drug. …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the essential role of ACMD advice but asserts its prerogative to make alternative decisions, taking into account other relevant factors to protect the public, even when differing from ACMD conclusions.
15
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 55
We are disappointed that the Home Office has repeatedly refused to publish the ACMD’s 2016 report, including to this Committee on a confidential basis. No other ACMD report remains unpublished and withholding this one contravenes established practice and undermines the ACMD’s transparency.
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly refuses to publish the 2016 ACMD paper or provide a confidential copy, explaining that the ACMD itself marked the paper as confidential and it would be inappropriate for the Home Office to publish it.
18
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 66
We welcome the Government’s efforts to recognise and respond to the issues in Professor Dame Carol Black’s Independent Review of Drugs and we welcome the ambition of the 10-Year Drugs Strategy. In particular, we welcome the cross- departmental and partnership approach and the increase in funding for the drug treatment …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the committee's welcome for the 10-Year Drugs Strategy and reiterated its three strategic priorities: breaking supply chains, building a world-class treatment system, and reducing demand, underpinned by over £3 billion investment.
20
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 86
The 10-Year Drugs Strategy recognises some harm reduction approaches but could go further. Abstinence-based recovery may not be an effective form of treatment for everyone. A broader range of harm reduction treatments are therefore required to help as many people into recovery as possible.
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted the conclusion, stating it already provides a broad range of harm reduction interventions, including increasing naloxone availability and supporting local provision of other medicines. It committed to continuing to update guidance on evidence-based harm reduction interventions.
22
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 98
The strategy states a commitment to breaking down stigma but provides little detail on how this commitment would be actioned. Stigma is a key issue for people with lived experience of using drugs and for their loved ones. Tackling stigma in all its forms must be a priority in the …
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the conclusion, committing to embed anti-stigma messaging across government communications and policy, develop key messages for stakeholders, provide funding to local areas, and ensure DfE guidance promotes reducing stigma.
24
Conclusion
Accepted
We were concerned to hear about the barriers people, such as women and black, Asian and minority ethnic people, can face when accessing treatment. No-one should be unable, or feel unable, to receive treatment and support. (Paragraph 100) Drugs 75
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the conclusion, committing to remove barriers to treatment for vulnerable groups. It outlined several actions including: empowering CDPs, OHID networks for good practice, guidance for women's services, a £53 million programme for the homeless, and a call for evidence on ethnic minority drug use.
26
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Para 102
We welcome the strategy’s recommendation that the membership of local Combating Drugs Partnerships should include people affected by drug-related harm because it gives people with lived experience a platform to help reduce barriers to treatment and recovery at a local level. However, we question whether this is reflected at a …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the value of including people with lived experience in local Combating Drugs Partnerships. However, the response did not address the committee's specific question regarding how this lived experience is reflected or included at a national level in implementing the strategy.
28
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 104
We welcome the strategy’s commitment to supporting families. It focuses on the important role of the family in preventing drug use, particularly in relation to young people. However, it does not recognise the role that families can play in the treatment and recovery of family members who have already developed …
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the conclusion, stating the Drug Strategy acknowledges the role of families and that £533 million in grant funding can be used by local authorities to develop family support services and embed mental health support. OHID has also published guidance and a guide for commissioning such services.
30
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 112
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 …
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.
31
Conclusion
Deferred
Though we await the outcome of the consultation on this White Paper, we ask that the Home Office further explain: (Paragraph 113) a) How people with a drug dependency—to whom this policy will not apply—will be identified and directed into treatment. b) The extent to which the policy is likely …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concerns but defers providing the requested explanations, stating they are analysing consultation responses to the White Paper and will publish a formal response in due course.
32
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 123
We welcome the 10-Year Drug Strategy’s commitment to rolling up county lines but increasing law enforcement efforts is only one part of the solution. We therefore welcome the strategy’s commitment to reducing demand for drugs and to re- building the drug treatment and recovery sector. We believe that these actions …
Government Response Summary
The government states it accepts the recommendations and describes existing measures under the Drug Strategy, including investment in early intervention funds and new guidance, to prevent young people from being exploited by county lines.
33
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 124
To tackle county lines, we believe it is vital that the children and young people exploited (or at risk of exploitation) by criminal gangs are kept out of the criminal justice system.
Government Response Summary
The government states it accepts the recommendations and highlights its Drug Strategy and various programs, including early intervention funds and safeguarding referrals, are already focused on preventing child exploitation and supporting vulnerable youth to keep them out of the criminal justice system.
38
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 139
We found that the holistic, partnership approach adopted by the Project ADDER pilot has been largely well received. We conclude that Project ADDER demonstrates how effective joint responsibility for drug policy between the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care can be.
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's recognition of Project ADDER's success and affirms that its whole-systems approach, overseen by the Home Office and OHID, aligns with the ambitions of the 10-year Drug Strategy.
41
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 149
An evidence base for a safe consumption facility in the UK is needed.
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation, stating it does not support safe consumption facilities, that there is no legal framework for them, and anyone operating one would be committing offences.
47
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 169
We welcome the 10-Year Drug Strategy’s recognition of the potential positive impact of long-acting buprenorphine. We think that the use of Buvidal in Wales has provided a very encouraging UK evidence base and proved that it is an effective form of opioid substitution treatment.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the conclusion, stating it accepts this and related recommendations, and highlighted its ongoing efforts through the 10-year Drug Strategy and additional funding to improve drug and alcohol treatment services, including access to a range of treatment options.
51
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 184
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 …
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation, stating that local authorities are responsible for commissioning drug treatment interventions and deciding on funding based on local need and priorities.
54
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 192
We are concerned by the effect the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the provision of needle and syringe programmes. The UK must continue its efforts in preventing the spread of blood-borne viruses by ensuring needle and syringe programmes reach as wide a population as possible.
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted, stating that existing programs already support blood-borne virus prevention and mentioning new funding via the SSMTR Grant (£1.3m) and a UKHSA pilot for data collection.
55
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 193
The Combating Drugs Minister must work with the Department of Health and Social Care, the devolved administrations, and health partners to ensure that the provision of equipment—particularly low dead space syringes and safe water—is increased to reduce the transmission of blood-borne viruses and other illnesses. The Combating Drugs Minister must …
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted, highlighting existing services and new investments through the SSMTR Grant (£1.3m for 2023/24), which specifies spending on low dead space syringes and supporting additional services. UKHSA is also planning a pilot for data collection.
56
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 205
The evidence on the lifesaving effects of naloxone in counteracting opioid- related overdose is clear. We welcome the national naloxone programmes in the devolved nations but are concerned that no such programme exists in England. We also welcome the joint working between the Government and the devolved Drugs 79 administrations …
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted, citing existing naloxone provision via local public health grants, £1.6 million from the SSMTR Grant for expansion, ongoing legislative changes by OHID to broaden supply, and efforts to implement availability in HMPPS community contact centres.
58
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 207
The efforts of UK police forces to roll out this life saving treatment is welcome. However, provision of naloxone across English forces is not universal, which risks creating a postcode lottery on the availability of this potentially life-saving treatment in England. Further, while we recognise the concerns of some officers …
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted, affirming support for naloxone availability but stating that carrying it is an operational decision for Chief Constables. The NPCC, with Home Office and OHID support, is working to address barriers and develop national guidance for police forces.
60
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 218
We support the use of diversion schemes for low-level offences. The use of such schemes by police forces in England and Wales is increasing and we welcome the efforts of those forces in rolling out these schemes. However, we are concerned that the use and substance of diversion schemes can …
Government Response Summary
The government accepted, stating it will roll out pilots to expand the use of Out of Court Disposals for drug possession offences in some forces and aims to establish a detailed national picture of OOCDs to inform future policy.
63
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 224
We welcome the increasing adoption of trauma-informed approaches by UK police forces. As drug use—particularly problematic or chronic drug use, can often be a consequence of trauma—we conclude that trauma-informed policing should be extended to situations involving drug use. We believe that this aligns with the Government’s commitment to adopting …
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes the committee's recognition of trauma-informed practice, clarifies its existing investment figures, and states that further pilots, research, and evaluation are needed to understand effectiveness before significant scaling up of these approaches.
65
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 233
We support cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) where there is an evidence base that it can be an effective form of treatment for managing conditions or symptoms. We welcome the ACMD conducting a further assessment of CBPMs following on from its 2020 report. However, we are concerned that there …
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly rejects the committee's underlying sentiment for greater access to unlicensed CBPMs, stating that prescribing medicinal cannabis is a clinical decision, not a matter for government policy. It maintains commitment to an evidence-based approach, encouraging research and establishing clinical trials to build the necessary evidence.
67
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 234
There is evidence of the potential therapeutic value of CBPMs to treat chronic pain.
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the conclusion regarding the potential therapeutic value of CBPMs for chronic pain and outlines existing pathways for researchers to seek advice and apply for competitive funding for randomised control trials. They also highlight current NICE recommendations against routine use due to insufficient evidence.
69
Conclusion
Acknowledged
We are concerned by the harms that cannabis for non-medical use may pose, particularly in relation to young people. We do not believe that cannabis should be legalised and regulated for non-medical use. (Paragraph 243) Drugs 81 Northern Ireland
Government Response Summary
The government shares the Committee’s concerns about the harms of cannabis for non-medical use and confirms it does not intend to legalise or regulate it, citing scientific and medical evidence of health risks.
70
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 248
We are deeply concerned by the role paramilitary groups play in organised drug crime in Northern Ireland, and the impact that this has on local communities, children and young people. We are also deeply concerned by the effect the current political stalemate is having in Northern Ireland and the extent …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concerns about paramilitary groups and the political stalemate in Northern Ireland, outlining ongoing financial commitments to anti-paramilitarism efforts. It also clarifies devolved responsibilities for drug policy and commits to strengthening UK-wide collaboration, with a ministerial meeting planned.