Drug and alcohol dependents who refuse treatment may lose benefits

Proposals have been outlined in a Home Office consultation paper to refuse benefits to drug and alcohol dependents who do not undertake treatment. According to a BBC report, the paper asks for views on a "financial benefit sanction" for claimants who do not address their drug or alcohol dependency.  The plans would form part of the government's drug strategy for England, Wales and Scotland.

The report reveals plans to withdraw benefits from those failing to attend a treatment awareness programme.  Those who do attend the programme will not be required to look for work while receiving treatment.  The plans echo Labour’s proposed scheme to get drug users into work, which were initially scrapped by the coalition government.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Martin Barnes, chief executive of charity DrugScope, criticised the plans.  Mr Barnes said he "seriously questioned" the effectiveness of linking benefit sanctions and a requirement to undergo medical treatment.  He went on to say that there was no evidence that this approach would for work for a "particularly vulnerable and marginalised group".

The Social Security Advisory Committee - an independent statutory body has also suggested that withdrawing benefits will lead to a rises in crime and prostitution  

The BBC has also reported Home Office plans that will allow ministers to ban ”legal highs”.  Under the plans ministers would have the power to ban new substances for a year until they have been properly assessed.

Minister for Crime Prevention James Brokenshire is reported as saying: "The drugs market is changing and we need to adapt current laws to allow us to act more quickly.

"The temporary ban allows us to act straight away to stop new substances gaining a foothold in the market and help us tackle unscrupulous drug dealers trying to get round the law by peddling dangerous chemicals to young people."

For more information go to www.bbc.co.uk