Policy and Practice: the Governments latest drugs strategy
Tim Burke
Wednesday, January 8, 2003
David Blunkett announced a new drugs strategy in December last year. What is he saying this time?
David Blunkett announced a new drugs strategy in December last year. What is he saying this time?New? Well updated, really. It develops the original strategy, which was published in 1998, in the light of new figures about drug consumption and the associated costs. The Government reckons this could amount to around 18 billion, 99 per cent of which is accounted for by problem drug users. Is it war on drugs or lets go liberal? Is it ever that straightforward? There is some tough talking about tackling drug barons and there is tough action such as increasing the penalties for dealing in class C drugs. Key features include more focus on class A drugs and tackling the supply chain both in countries like Afghanistan and the regional middle markets here in the UK. Then there is a promise to expand treatment services for drug users and make more use of testing to ensure that drug misusing offenders are pushed towards treatment programmes. Oh, and theres a special action plan for communities affected by crack. Whats been the reaction? A step in the right direction but not bold enough, said drugs charity Drugscope. It wanted more action to stop the arrestability of cannabis and more harm-reduction measures such as safe injecting rooms. What does it say about education? By March 2004 every primary and secondary school must have a drug policy. The quality of drug education lessons must improve, so that by March 2006 none can be described as poor by Ofsted. Young people are our highest priority, promised Home Secretary David Blunkett. They need good quality drug education, information and advice based on a credible assessment of the damage drugs do.Fantastic. Does that mean more money for us to do it then? Steady on. The main element here is a major new communications campaign launching in spring 2003, which will drive home the risks of class A drugs and encourage young people and parents to seek further advice. It is vital, states the strategy, that the message is open, honest and credible.There must be something for youth work types? Theres an expansion of the Positive Futures programme, the scheme that supports sports, and in some cases arts, projects to engage vulnerable young people with enjoyable activities and help develop skills to resist drugs. The existing projects will get more funding, which will taper off to give them time to secure more local funding. There will also be new projects in the 30 top crime areas and a further 20 to 30 projects elsewhere. There will be around 5m for projects that will consist of a development officer post plus an implementation budget.And can we get involved? Bids can come from anyone. It doesnt matter who the lead agency is, the important thing is the ability to lead a partnership. The process will get under way in April and May.FactboxThe Government published its Updated Drug Strategy 2002 in December. The main points are:- tougher focus on class A drugs-education campaign targeting young people and families-clamping down on availability by tackling the supply chain- new measures to expand treatment and aftercare services for offenders- available from: www.drugs.gov.uk