Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Eleventh Report - Reducing the harm from illegal drugs
Public Accounts Committee
HC 72
Published 9 February 2024
Recommendations
9
Not Addressed
New drug strategy structures improve coordination and accountability, but JCDU remains under-resourced.
Recommendation
The introduction of the From harm to hope strategy has led to positive change. The appointment of a Combating Drugs minister and the nomination of the Home Office permanent secretary as senior responsible owner, alongside the creation of the Joint …
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Government Response Summary
The government response describes the 'From harm to hope' drug strategy, its allocated funding, and the roles of various departments and the JCDU in its implementation. It does not address the committee's point that the JCDU needed strengthening due to under-resourcing.
HM Treasury
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20
Not Addressed
Establish specific drug use reduction targets for young people and other vulnerable cohorts.
Recommendation
In the year ending June 2022, 9.2% of 16–59-year-olds in England and Wales reported having taken drugs at least once within the past year, with 2.7% having taken Class A drugs. These proportions are higher for younger adults, with 19% …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response outlines existing and ongoing work to monitor impacts, address diverse needs, and reduce drug demand through education and research, but does not commit to setting specific drug use reduction targets for young people or other cohorts as recommended.
HM Treasury
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Conclusions (1)
15
Conclusion
Successful recovery from addiction to illegal drugs, such as opiates, is difficult, with high levels of recidivism.45 In its recent report, the Home Affairs Committee highlighted the efficacy of specialist programmes—such as diamorphine assisted treatment—in helping those with a long history of addiction and poor treatment outcomes.46 We heard from …