DrugScope’s State of the Sector 2014-15 report has warned over cuts to the drug and alcohol treatment sector and risks posed by 'commissioning churn'.
The report, State of the Sector 2014 – 15, contains the findings from a survey of 189 adult community, residential and prison drug and alcohol services, from across England’s four Public Health England regions. See the summary report or press release.
Key findings from the report include:
- 53 per cent of respondents reported a reduction in frontline staff and 40 per cent a reduction in back office staff and managers;
- 62 per cent reported an increase in the involvement of volunteer recovery champions and 47 per cent an increase in the use of other volunteers;
- Over half (54 per cent) of community services had been through tendering or contract renegotiation since September 2013; just under half (49 per cent) were expecting this to happen between September 2014 and September 2015;
- The change of funding experienced by respondents was an average net reduction of 16.5 per cent although this masks volatility, with substantial increases and decreases reported;
- Respondents reported that funding changes had a negative effect on service delivery overall, with core services, outreach, education, training and employment support and health services all showing a net deterioration.
Last year Alcohol Concern warned over fears facing alcohol services. A seperate survey by Alcohol Concern also that found that although most key local needs assessment documents recognised alcohol, most did not go far enough to address the full impact of alcohol misuse on the local population.
Alcohol Concern also published a Guide to Alcohol for Councillors to help them address alcohol harm. NICE has a comprehensive set of alcohol guidance and quality standards, including alcohol pathways and further tools. NICE have also released Public Health alcohol guidance for local authorities.
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