William Eichler 14 April 2022

Council chiefs welcome £300m to tackle drug addiction

Council chiefs welcome £300m to tackle drug addiction  image
Image: Tinnakorn jorruang/Shutterstock.com.

Council leaders have welcomed a Government announcement of additional funding for local areas to tackle drug dependency as an ‘important step forward’.

Communities in England most affected by drug-related crime and addiction will receive over £300m of additional funding over the next three years to strengthen treatment and recovery services, the Department of Health and Social Care announced yesterday.

‘This is a significant step in our commitment to rebuild the drug treatment system, save lives and level up the country,’ said health and social care secretary, Sajid Javid.

‘We’re investing a record amount in treatment services and ensuring some of the most deprived areas in England are first in line for this funding, to support the most vulnerable by cutting drug use.’

The year 2022 to 2023 will see 50 local authorities receive a share of the funding. The initial councils assessed as having the greatest need to combat illicit drugs, include areas in County Durham, Leeds, Birmingham and Devon.

Responding to the announcement, Cllr Louise Gittins, vice-chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Community Wellbeing Board said: ‘This funding is an important step forward in helping to support councils in addressing drug dependency in their local communities and is something the LGA has long been calling for.

‘People with drug and alcohol problems should be able to get the right support and treatment when they need it. For many problem users, their first experience of treatment is the catalyst for getting the help they need to address their physical and mental health problems.

‘Councils want to see vulnerable people being given another chance to find work, rebuild relationships and find safe and secure accommodation and will work with partners to improve the life chances of those impacted by drug addiction.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Housing

North West Leicestershire District Council
£64,241 to £74,525 (plus car allowance)
We are currently seeking a new Head of Housing to lead a number of key service areas Leicestershire
Recuriter: North West Leicestershire District Council

Director of People

Bolton Cares
£80,287 – subject to skills and experience
Bolton Cares is on an exciting journey of transformation and growth and we’re looking for a dynamic, people-focused leader to help shape our future. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Cares

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Adult Learning Tutor Maths WMF2142e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235.00 - £36,124.00 (pro rata)
We are looking for an inspirational tutor to deliver maths courses to our learners across Carlisle. Carlisle, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Adult Learning Tutor ESOL English WMF2144e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235 - £36,124 (pro rata)
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with experience of teaching ESOL. Whitehaven, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner