This report is to authorise the acceptance and use of the 2024/25 ‘Supplementary Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Grant’ to rebuild treatment and recovery systems, rebuild the workforce, ensure better integration of services, improve accommodation alongside treatment, improve employment opportunities, increase referrals and pathways for those in the criminal justice system and those leaving prison.

The Committee received a report to setting out for approval the Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Grant (SSMTRG) of £770,942 for 2024/25.

The report explained that a new Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Grant (SSMTRG) had been issued to Local Authorities in 2022/23. The monies were to rebuild treatment and recovery systems, rebuild the workforce, ensure better integration of services, improve accommodation alongside treatment, improve employment opportunities, increase referrals and pathways for those in the criminal justice system and those leaving prison.

Reading had received SSMTRG grant over the past two years of £413,221 for 2022/23 and £469,761 for 2023/24.  The grant had supported some key enhancements and improvements in drug and alcohol service provision such as an increased workforce and training offer, additional commissioning support, additional treatment places and rehab placements, and an increase in availability and access to naloxone.

The funding aimed to achieve the following outcomes:

·         reduced likelihood of drug and alcohol related deaths

·         increase in number of people into drug and alcohol treatment

·         a reduction in drug and alcohol related reoffending amongst prolific offenders within local areas

·         increase in the numbers of drug and alcohol users, especially offenders, engaging in treatment as well as increases in those achieving and sustaining recovery.

·         reduced costs for local health services and police forces due to lower health and crime harms, and lower costs to the criminal justice system (as fewer people are dealt with by the courts).

The report noted that due to the value of the SSMTRG in 2024/25, the timing of the announcement of the funding and the deadline for acceptance, the Director of Public Health authorised the 2024/25 plans and accepted the grant to avoid losing the opportunity. It was noted that the grant had been accepted for the past two years and had been under £500k, therefore, within Officer delegation.

Resolved –

(1)          That the SSMTRG Grant of £770,942 in 2024/25, to enhance the delivery of the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery system in Reading be accepted;

(2)          That the Executive Director of Community & Adult Social Care Services in consultation with Lead Councillor for Education & Public Health, and the Director of Finance and the Assistant Director of Legal & Democratic Services be authorised to spend the funding and award contracts necessary following due regard to Contract Procurement Regulations to implement the services.