No evidence-based drug policy
Failure to mandate that independent evaluation findings deterministically guide the future of safe drug consumption facilities.
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
100match
#19 - Demonstrate an evidence-based approach and consider The Thistle's independent evaluation for policymaking.
The UK Government must demonstrate that it has an evidence-based approach to policy making and will consider the independent evaluation of The Thistle. Any intervention found to be effective at saving lives and reducing harm should not be dismissed. (Recommendation, Paragraph 136)
Matched on
terms: based, evidence, policy
Committee recommendation
95match
#1 - Adopt a balanced, evidence-based approach to tackling problem drug use.
We call on both Governments to adopt a balanced, evidence-based approach to problem drug use. (Conclusion, Paragraph 35)
Matched on
terms: based, drug, evidence
Committee recommendation
92match
#2 - Mandate independent evaluation findings determine future of The Thistle safe drug consumption facility.
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...
Matched on
terms: drug, evidence
Committee recommendation
77match
#14 - Home Office selectively adopts ACMD advice on drug classification changes.
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. For example, we note that in the cases...
Matched on
terms: based, drug, evidence, policy
Committee recommendation
73match
#1 - Evidence gathered from Home Office, DHSC, and key drug strategy stakeholders.
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Home Office and the Department for Health and Social Care.2 We also took evidence from Dame Carol Black, author of the government’s independent review of drugs; Mike Trace, Chief Executive Officer, Forward Trust; Alice Wiseman, Vice President and Addictions Lead, Association...
Matched on
terms: drug, evidence
Committee recommendation
73match
#18 - Require UK Government to seriously consider evaluation of The Thistle and merits of SDCFs.
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...
Matched on
terms: drug, evidence
Committee recommendation
69match
#41 - Evidence base required for safe consumption facilities across the United Kingdom.
An evidence base for a safe consumption facility in the UK is needed.
Matched on
terms: evidence
HSSIB recommendation
69match
The assessment of venous thromboembolism risks associated with pregnancy and the postnatal period
It may be beneficial if future research or funding is directed towards identifying the evidence base for the prescribing of low-molecular-weight heparin for venous thromboembolism risk in pregnancy and the first 6 weeks after birth. This will support the production of evidence-based clinical
Matched on
terms: based, evidence
Committee recommendation
68match
#43 - Support Glasgow safe consumption facility pilot, creating legislative pathway and ensuring joint funding.
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 the Government and the Scottish Government. The Government must work with the Scottish Government and local partners to...
Matched on
terms: drug, evidence
Committee recommendation
64match
#14 - Require the Lord Advocate and Scottish Government to consider future inhalation room applications on their merits.
The Lord Advocate believes that widening the statement of prosecution policy to allow an inhalation room to operate is undesirable and we understand the reasons she has given. However, given that expert medical advice suggests that allowing the inhalation of drugs would increase opportunities for harm reduction, any future application for an inhalation room should be considered on...
Matched on
terms: drug, policy
Committee recommendation
64match
#55 - Insufficient evidence on stop and search effectiveness undermines public confidence and policy decisions.
The lack of evidence available about the effectiveness of stop and search in reducing serious violence crime has contributed to scepticism about the basis for using the powers and therefore a lack of confidence in them. The Home Office should fill this evidential gap by commissioning a fully independent and comprehensive research study of stop and search tactics...
Matched on
terms: evidence, policy
PFD report
61match
Howard Jeffers
The coroner noted concerns that future deaths may occur unless Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) can be more accurately analysed and detected by toxicological testing, highlighting a lack of specific evidence presented at the inquest regarding steps to address this risk.
Matched on
terms: evidence
PFD report
61match
James Boland
Maintaining ketamine's classification as a Class B drug risks encouraging its use under the false impression it is safer than Class A drugs, with users often unaware of the significant long-term health problems it causes.
Matched on
terms: drug
Committee recommendation
60match
#16 - Require UK Government to consider applications for medical equipment exemptions at The Thistle.
If an application for exemptions from the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 to enable the provision of medical equipment at The Thistle were made by Glasgow City HSCP or the Scottish Government, the UK Government should consider such an application on its merits, as evidence suggests this could enable The Thistle to maximise its effectiveness. (Recommendation, Paragraph 127)
Matched on
terms: drug, evidence
IOPC learning recommendation
59match
Recommendation - College of Policing, February 2025
The IOPC recommends that the College of Policing creates guidance for officers to assist them in understanding the topic of chemsex, and in recognising the signs that an incident may include a chemsex element. Any guidance created should include: - A working definition of chemsex to increase officers’ awareness. - Guidance about the key indicators officers should look...
Matched on
terms: drug, evidence
PFD report
57match
Bradley Cockel
The coroner noted that a specific drug and some of its chemical compounds were not controlled by legislation at the time of death, with only a partial temporary ban enacted for some compounds later.
Matched on
terms: drug
PFD report
57match
Bethany Shipsey
The coroner raised concerns about the extreme toxicity of DNP, its increasing popularity among young people as a 'diet drug', and its ready availability online, noting that current legislation does not make its possession, sale, or supply illegal.
Matched on
terms: drug
PFD report
57match
Mohammed Ahmed
The coroner noted expert evidence suggesting a combination of Olanzapine and Spice could cause adverse allergic reactions, and raised concerns about whether this potential interaction is sufficiently known to clinicians nationally.
Matched on
terms: evidence
PFD report
57match
Raymond Lee
There is limited national guidance and evidence on the optimal treatment for oesophageal strictures, specifically regarding the number of dilatations and the timing for considering stenting, given the associated risks of perforation.
Matched on
terms: evidence
PFD report
57match
Victoria Storey
The coroner notes that the potent illicit synthetic opiate RT4563 is not currently controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, despite recommendations to classify it. This creates a high risk of fatal overdose, as users cannot know the actual contents of the illicit substance.
Matched on
terms: drug
PFD report
57match
Frances Newbury
The coroner raised concerns that Naloxone was not administered to Ms Newbury despite paramedics being informed of illicit drug use and her history of opiate misuse. This issue has arisen in previous inquests where other reversible causes were treated.
Matched on
terms: drug
PFD report
57match
Glenn Lockwood
Insufficient monitoring for signs of Pregabalin abuse was identified, particularly given the patient's known history of drug abuse. Concerns were also raised that a Serious Event Analysis exploring potential record-keeping and prescribing issues may not have fully explored relevant risks.
Matched on
terms: drug
PFD report
57match
Louise Jones
The GP practice lacked policies for long-term opioid prescriptions, including patient agreements on treatment strategy and warning flags for addiction risk after three months. There was also no policy regarding the co-prescription of opioids and benzodiazepines.
Matched on
terms: policy
PFD report
57match
Joshua Leatham-Prosser
The coroner noted concerns regarding the highly addictive and harmful nature of ketamine, a Class B drug, and the increasing number of young people presenting with potentially fatal health problems linked to its use.
Matched on
terms: drug
Inquiry recommendation
57match
1 - Enact proposed alcohol and drugs legislation
We endorse the proposed legislation and recommend that it be enacted as soon as possible.
Matched on
terms: drug
Committee recommendation
53match
#44 - Establish a national drug checking service in England for anonymous postal sample submission.
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 how best to implement the service. In particular, we recommend that it learn lessons from the Welsh Government...
Matched on
terms: drug
Committee recommendation
51match
#24 - Investment in research for drivers of substance misuse behaviours remains inadequate
Dame Carol and Ms Wiseman told us that there was little investment in research into the behaviours and factors that lead to substance misuse.80 The JCDU pointed to the £5 million investment in the ‘innovation fund’ which is looking at building evidence around the key area of reducing demand.81 However, departments have committed just £350,000 to research drivers...
Matched on
terms: drug, evidence
PFD report
49match
Marc Cole
The coroner noted insufficient independent data on Taser lethality, particularly concerning the incremental risk of multiple or sustained activations, raising concerns that police training may be deficient or incomplete.
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classifier match
PFD report
49match
Kayleigh Burns
The report identifies a need to review the legal framework concerning Nitrous Oxide, given its increasing use by young persons and the associated risk of future deaths.
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classifier match
PFD report
49match
Chester Mossop
The coroner notes a lack of national distribution of bath safety advice to healthcare professionals and parents/carers. There are concerns that bath seats may give a false sense of security, as parents may be unaware they are not safety devices.
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classifier match
PFD report
45match
Matthew Flatman
The process of proscribing MDAI (Gogaine), a "legal high" known to pose a fatal risk, particularly to individuals with cardiac problems, is moving slowly and its proscription should be accelerated.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
45match
Anthony Garrett
The coroner raises concerns regarding the ready availability and legal sale of synthetic cannabinoids, marketed as herbal incense but misused, noting they are dangerous and potentially life-threatening. A review of their status and control is requested.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
45match
Alexander Boamah
The coroner noted a lack of a process for clinicians to inform the Department of Work and Pensions about individuals at risk, especially those without capacity, who receive large sums of money that may be used for illicit substances.
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classifier match
PFD report
45match
Samuel Morgan
The coroner noted a potential link between SSRIs and suicidal thinking in young adults. They suggested a 'Black Box Warning' on medication packaging could more effectively highlight this increased risk to patients.
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classifier match
PFD report
45match
James Lacey
The coroner noted that a substance, easily purchased in relatively small quantities, is classified as a 'reportable poison', which involves less rigorous control measures compared to 'regulated poisons'.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
45match
Sienna Barber
The coroner noted the absence of specific NICE guidance for diagnosing and treating Group A Streptococcus, particularly for high-risk groups. The report also highlighted that a NICE review of rapid antigen testing excluded children under five, where such testing could be beneficial.
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classifier match
PFD report
45match
Sean Crawford
The coroner noted a lack of specific guidance in academic literature, BNF, NICE, or MHRA regarding the risk of death from the combined effects of clozapine and alcohol. Existing medication leaflets advise against alcohol but do not explicitly state death as a possibility in this scenario.
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classifier match
PFD report
45match
Hannah Aitken
The coroner noted a lack of central monitoring for poisoning incidents involving certain substances, which are increasingly used for self-harm. There are no restrictions on importing these substances, and no government department appears to be actively considering regulating their access, purity, or quantities sold to mitigate risks.
Matched on
classifier match
PFD report
45match
Edward Barnard
The coroner expressed concern regarding a vulnerable young adult illicitly obtaining and using a veterinary-only licensed substance for a suicidal purpose. This identifies a potential emerging risk, prompting reports to veterinary bodies to consider preventive measures.
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classifier match
PFD report
45match
Stella LeClaire
The coroner noted an increase in toxicological requests for a specific substance, highlighting the need for specialist analysis to aid potential prosecution of suppliers. The report suggests the Chief Coroner consider guidance on routine toxicological analysis in poisoning investigations.
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classifier match
Committee recommendation
44match
#42 - Support piloting of safe consumption facilities in areas of demonstrated local need.
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.
Matched on
classifier match
NAO recommendation
44match
Childhood obesity
The Department should establish a robust evidence base, commissioning further research if necessary, of what works to establish which interventions in the programme and actions by local authorities work best to reduce childhood obesity.
Matched on
terms: evidence
Committee recommendation
44match
#9 - Set online slots stake limits to match land-based machines and not exceed £5
The high degree of accessibility of online slots negates the additional protection provided by account-based play. Setting a limit for online slots at the same level as Category B gaming machines, at between £2 and £5, takes account of the risk of harm and will impact only around 1% of gamblers. We recommend that stake limits for online...
Matched on
terms: based
LGO / SPSO decision
43match
21-011-449 - Cambridgeshire County Council
Summary: Mr X complained about support for drug dependence for his late relative Mr Y. The Council which commissioned Change Grow Live, was at fault because there was no review of Mr Y’s long-term prescription of diazepam, no audit of the file and a failure to deal with a request for records within legal timescales in the Access...
Matched on
terms: drug
Committee recommendation
41match
#4 - Review the application of Neither Confirm Nor Deny in all legacy related cases
The Government should review, in consultation with MI5 and the PSNI, the application of NCND in all legacy related cases, considering specifically the principles outlined in this Report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 21) 11
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classifier match
Committee recommendation
41match
#10 - Revise fuel poverty definition to include homes meeting minimum energy efficiency standards
In the forthcoming Fuel Poverty Strategy, we recommend that the Government revise the official definition of fuel poverty to reflect the fact that those living in homes compliant with the new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard may still struggle to heat their homes sufficiently. (Recommendation, Paragraph 43)
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classifier match
Committee recommendation
39match
#16 - Conduct a scoping exercise to assess public support for a paramilitary group transition process.
We have heard evidence both for and against the establishment of formal process of Group Transition. On the one hand, we are concerned that a Group Transition process aimed at the disbandment of paramilitary groups could inadvertently risk reinforcing the status of such groups and fail to displace the coercive control they hold over some communities. On the...
Matched on
terms: evidence
Committee recommendation
39match
#11 - Undertake updated analysis of paramilitary activity to inform national security strategy scope in Northern Ireland.
There is a live debate as to whether the current scope of national security, as it relates to Northern Ireland, should be revised to include threats other than those to democracy and the state, such as paramilitary activity like drug dealing, extortion and murder, to enable greater joint working between law enforcement agencies in Northern Ireland and security...
Matched on
terms: drug
Committee recommendation
39match
#18 - Government lacks evidence on optimal prosecution levels needed for fraud deterrence.
On the deterrence effect of convictions and whether there is a sufficient level of convictions to create a suitable deterrent, the PSFA told us that it was not aware of any evidence to indicate what the right level of prosecutions would be to create a deterrent.56 After our evidence session, the Cabinet Office wrote to us providing us...
Matched on
terms: evidence
Committee recommendation
36match
#12 - Inconsistent outcome measures for prisoners with substance misuse needs hinder effective evaluation.
We asked MoJ and HMPPS about how successful outcomes for prisoners with substance misuse needs are measured. HMPPS told us there is range of things that could 18 Committee of Public Accounts, Mental health in prisons, Eighth Report of Session 2017–19, HC 400, 13 December 2017 19 C&AG’s Report, para 22 20 Q63; C&AG’s Report, para 2.12 21...
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classifier match