Responding to the launch of the second phase of the independent review into the misuse of drugs, to be led by Professor Dame Carol Black, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“It is good that the second phase of this independent review into the misuse of drugs is taking place and is not unduly delayed by the current pandemic.
“Councils are absolutely committed to ensuring drug users get the right treatment and support, as part of their public health and other wider responsibilities
“This includes helping vulnerable people being given another chance to find work, rebuild relationships, improve their physical and mental health and find safe and secure accommodation.
“Working with government alongside local NHS, community groups and other partners, councils want to ensure everyone gets the support they need wherever possible.
“Public health funding for councils, which is used to provide drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services, helps to relieve pressures on other public services, such as criminal justice and the NHS, further down the line.
“This is why we need reliable and consistent funding, including in the forthcoming Spending Review, for councils’ public health services in the long term.”
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