The Government has been urged to increase spending on recovery services and treatment for drug addicts by an independent review led by Dame Carol Black.
Her report says cuts have left services “on their knees” and urges an extra £552 million investment over five years in England, and a £15 million boost towards jobs support for those in treatment.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said investing now in public health drug prevention, treatment and recovery services will “reap benefits for everyone” in the longer term, including the NHS, criminal justice and other public services.
“Councils are absolutely determined to ensure drug users get the right support and treatment as part of their public health and other wider responsibilities, and look forward to working with the Joint Combating Drugs Unit on this shared ambition,” he said.
“This includes helping vulnerable people to be given another chance to find work, rebuild relationships, improve their physical and mental health, and find safe and secure accommodation.
“For many drug users, especially the most entrenched, engaging in treatment is the catalyst for getting the help they need to address their physical and mental health problems.
“We need a closer, holistic approach that recognises that clinical services alone cannot lead to recovery, but also extra support and opportunities for drug users to gain employment, housing, mental health care and help from other agencies.”