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.

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

Lifeguard - Shift Pattern 2

Ribble Valley Borough Council
Scale 1B (scp 3-4) £12.45 to £12.65 per hour
We are looking for an experienced lifeguard to perform lifeguard duties for the main and teaching pools Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Lifeguard – Shift Pattern 1

Ribble Valley Borough Council
Scale 1B (scp 3-4) £12.45 to £12.65 per hour
We are looking for an experienced lifeguard to perform lifeguard duties Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Lifeguard – Shift Pattern 2

Ribble Valley Borough Council
Scale 1B (scp 3-4) £12.45 to £12.65 per hour
We are looking for an experienced lifeguard to perform lifeguard duties Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Business Support to Senior Leader

Wakefield Council
£24,790 - £25,183, Grade 4, 37 hours, Permanent
Are you flexible, looking for a challenge and a role where no two days are the same? Then this is the role for you! Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Locality Team Manager - East

Wakefield Council
£49,764 - £52,805, Grade 12, 37 hours, Permanent
We are looking for a Locality Team Manager to lead and manage a Locality Team Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner