Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Deferred
Mandate independent evaluation findings determine future of The Thistle safe drug consumption facility.
Conclusion
We recognise that the opening of The Thistle on a pilot-basis presents an opportunity to test the effectiveness of SDCFs in Glasgow’s unique context. We believe the evidence provided by the independent evaluation panel should be determinative in discussions about The Thistle’s future beyond the three-year pilot. If the evaluation does not demonstrate the facility’s efficacy, it is difficult to see how The Thistle — or any other SDCFs in Scotland — could proceed. (Recommendation, Paragraph 36)
Government Response Summary
The government deflected by discussing a Home Office licence issued for drug checking services at 55 Hunter Street, Glasgow, while clarifying that this licence does not cover The Thistle's safer drug consumption service.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
It is possible for drug checking services to obtain a Home Office licence, and the Home Office keeps an open dialogue with any potential applicants who wish to apply for a licence to ensure the strict requirements attached to drug checking are fully understood. While we do not usually comment on the status of drug checking licenses, with the permission of the applicant we are able to say that the Home Office controlled drug licence for the Glasgow drug checking service, which is a service being operated separately to The Thistle, was issued in October. This licence was issued to the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board for its premises at 55 Hunter Street, Glasgow. This enables the provision of substance misuse services including heroin assisted treatment and drug checking services. The Thistle safer drug consumption service, which also operates separately at this site, is not covered by this licence. Evidence-based approach to policy making