Responding to Public Health England’s annual adult substance misuse treatment statistics for 2019/20, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“People with substance misuse problems need the right support and treatment, which councils are committed to providing despite the ongoing pressures of the pandemic.
“It is encouraging that more people are entering treatment, but it is still a serious cause for concern that we have seen increases in drug-related deaths, particularly those related to opiates.
“The causes of substance misuse and finding solutions for it are complex, but we know the positive impact that adequate funding and early intervention can have.
“County lines gangs linked to recreational drug use also remains an extremely serious issue for councils, who are working closely with police and others to tackle this.
“Housing, mental health and other council services are linking up with the NHS and community groups to ensure everyone affected gets the help they need.
“Councils are doing all they can to help keep people healthy throughout their lives and reduce pressure on the NHS and social care. No new public health funding in the recent Spending Review makes this incredibly challenging.”
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