Laura Sharman 14 November 2022

Ministers urged to break the link between drugs and deprivation

Ministers urged to break the link between drugs and deprivation image
Image: Nomad_Soul / Shutterstock.com

Around 1,600 drug-related deaths could be prevented in the North and Scotland if the Government ensures drugs policy reform is included in levelling up plans, a think tank has argued today.

Analysis by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) has shown a clear link between deprivation and drug misuse.

It found regions in need of levelling up - such as the North East, the North West, and Yorkshire - have higher overdose death rates than more affluent regions.

The SMF has estimated how many lives could be saved if the Government copied drug policy reform implemented in Portugal focusing on decriminalisation, prevention, and treatment programmes.

It found an 80% decline in deaths in the North East would save 600 lives a year, while 1,000 lives could be saved in Scotland.

’The relationship between drugs misuse and deprivation is complex, a vicious cycle harms many more lives in the poorest regions of the nation, said Jake Shepherd, senior researcher at the Social Market Foundation. ‘If ministers really want to level up the country, they should be working to break the link between drugs and deprivation.

’The current policy stance on drugs needs to shift, towards one that prioritises support, treatment, and education – so that we can reduce health and economic inequalities between the north and south, and between poor and rich.’

The SMF warned the Government does not have a plan in place to break the drugs-deprivation link and the Levelling Up White Paper does not mention drugs.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Technician - Maintenance

Essex County Council
£31001.0000 - £36471.0000 per annum
Essex Highways is responsible for managing and maintaining one of the largest highway networks in the country
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner