Responding to government funding of £148 million for cutting drugs crime and new investment in drug prevention and treatment services, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’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.”
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