"Every death to drug misuse is a tragedy and councils are absolutely determined to ensure vulnerable people have the right support and treatment, despite the ongoing pressures of the pandemic, as part of their public health and wider responsibilities."
Responding to latest ONS figures on deaths related to drug poisoning, which show the number of deaths registered in England and Wales was 3.8 per cent higher in 2020 compared to 2019, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“Every death to drug misuse is a tragedy and councils are absolutely determined to ensure vulnerable people have the right support and treatment, despite the ongoing pressures of the pandemic, as part of their public health and wider responsibilities.
“This includes help to find work, rebuild relationships, improve their physical and mental health and find safe and secure accommodation.
“Funding for public health services including for drug prevention, treatment and recovery, has not kept pace with demand. Investment now will reap benefits for everyone longer-term, including for the NHS, criminal justice and other public services.
“Councils are doing all they can to help keep people healthy throughout their lives and reduce pressure on the NHS and social care. The upcoming Spending Review is an opportunity to realise this shared ambition with government to ensure everyone affected gets the help they need.”
Notes to editors
ONS: Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales, 2020 registrations