DrugScope has today responded to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) announcement that the coalition government will not be implementing the Welfare Reform Drug Recovery Pilot schemes proposed by the previous Labour government.
The news came after a report published today by the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) found that the welfare drug pilots are unlikely to be effective. DrugScope contributed to the consultation process on the SSAC report.
Under measures laid out in the Welfare Reform Act 2009, the pilot schemes would have seen drug users in treatment receive a new ‘treatment allowance’ – a measure which DrugScope felt could provide problem drug users with time to seek help without pressure to actively seek employment.
However, DrugScope had previously raised concerns over other measures in the Act, notably the provision to hand JobCentre staff the power to investigate claimants who they believed were problem drug users and to refer them for assessment and even drug testing. A claimant’s refusal to engage with treatment could have led to a compulsory ‘education programme’ supported by benefit sanctions.
Responding to the news, DrugScope chief executive Martin Barnes said:
"In light of the critical report by the Social Security Advisory Committee, we welcome the government’s decision not to proceed with the drug recovery pilots and its commitment to rethink the approach to effectively supporting drug users into work.
“Despite important concessions by the previous government, concerns remained about the balance of support and compulsion in the pilots, including new powers for Jobcentre staff to require, on a suspicion, someone to answer questions about possible drug use and the introduction of drug testing.
“Gaining employment or accessing training can support sustained recovery from addiction and we welcome the government's recognition of the need to address multiple barriers to work such as a lack of housing and mental health problems.”
For more information and/or interviews contact Andrew McNicoll, Communications Officer, at 020 7520 7563 or email press@drugscope.org.uk
