Laura Sharman 04 August 2021

Drug-related deaths in England and Wales reach record high

Drug-related deaths in England and Wales reach record high image

The number of drug-related deaths in England and Wales reached a record high in 2020, official figures have revealed.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows 4,561 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered last year, the highest number since records began in 1993.

It found the North East had the highest rate of drug misuse of any English region for eight consecutive years, while Wales recorded its lowest rate of drug misuse deaths since 2014.

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: 'Funding for public health services including for drug prevention, treatment and recovery, has not kept pace with demand. Investment now will reap benefits for everyone longer-term, including for the NHS, criminal justice and other public services.

'Councils are doing all they can to help keep people healthy throughout their lives and reduce pressure on the NHS and social care. The upcoming Spending Review is an opportunity to realise this shared ambition with government to ensure everyone affected gets the help they need.'

The ONS warned that due to death registrations delays, around half of these deaths will have occurred in 2019.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner