Drug strategy
Roles and responsibilities
The local partnership landscape has changed considerably since Drug Action Teams were established back in 1995, with almost every area of local strategy planning and services now delivered in partnership.
Development and delivery of a coherent local drug strategy will require effective partnership structures, but exactly how drug issues are governed at a local level will need to fit within the wider local partnerships and so needs to be determined locally.
Statutory responsibilities
The statutory responsibilities for tackling drugs at local level are within the same legislative framework as that which relates to crime reduction.
The Police and Justice Act 2006 (schedule 9) (new window) amended the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to require ‘responsible authorities’ (i.e. local authorities, police, police authorities, PCTs, fire authorities) to formulate:
- a strategy for the reduction of crime and disorder in the area (including anti-social behaviour adversely affecting the local environment)
- a strategy for combating the misuse of drugs, alcohol and other substances in the area
