Third Report - Drugs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The government commits to providing the committee with an update on the consultation outcome on or before 18 December 2023.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.