An extra £80 million is to be invested in drug treatment services across England to give more support to offenders with drink and drug addictions, as part of an overall £148 million package to cut crime and protect people from the menace of illegal drugs.
The extra resources will help police dismantle organised criminal gangs and prevent illegal drugs supply. The funding for drug treatment and recovery is also intended to help cut drug-related crime and the cycle of misuse and reoffending.
Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “This new funding is a positive step in tackling the scourge of illegal drugs in our communities, while providing much-needed support to those in drug treatment and recovery.
“The causes of substance misuse are complex, but the right support in place can help vulnerable people improve their health, rebuild relationships, find work, and drive down crime and violence.
“Extra funding means that drug treatment and prevention can be at the heart of councils’ local public health responses, working closely alongside the police, health service and charities.
“The pandemic has also reduced access to youth services, limited time in school, and left some young people struggling to find training or employment. Councils are concerned about this increasing their risk of criminal exploitation, so additional funding to tackle county lines will help to support and protect young people at risk.”