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

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner