Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Acknowledged
Require UK Government to seriously consider evaluation of The Thistle and merits of SDCFs.
Recommendation
The Minister has stated that the UK Government will consider the evidence emerging from the pilot. However, it was clear from the Minister’s evidence that the Home Office will not make legislative changes, even if the evaluation finds that the facility has been effective in meeting its aims. The UK Government should not approach the evaluation having already made up its mind about the future of The Thistle. The UK Government should seriously consider the evaluation and, if the outcomes are positive, should consider the merits of SDCFs alongside consideration of other interventions to tackle problem drug use. (Conclusion, Paragraph 135)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges its commitment to an evidence-based approach to drug policy within the law, citing various existing evidence-based programs as examples.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Response: The Government is committed to an evidence-based approach towards drug policy within the law, ensuring we are following the evidence and taking account of any relevant considerations when providing measures to tackle substance misuse. This commitment has been demonstrated by our world leading, evidence-based Individual Placement and Support Programme, which is successfully helping those struggling with substance dependence disorders find and keep paid jobs. The Government has also demonstrated a commitment to following the evidence through its successful widening of the availability of naloxone to prevent overdose deaths. The Government has also been consistent in its support for heroin assisted treatment, and opioid substitution treatment (typically using methadone or buprenorphine) the most widely studied medical intervention for heroin dependence, with long-term evidence for reduced drug use, injecting and mortality.