24 February 2026
In February, Collective Voice published their essential next steps for urgent UK Government action on alcohol and drugs in England.
It sets out five essential policies to address the issues with the current unsustainable healthcare approach, and put treatment and recovery at the heart of UK Government action.
These five steps are:
- The UK Government should publish a position statement on drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services to reaffirm their commitment to reduce deaths and crime linked to alcohol and other drugs, and maximise recovery.
- To achieve a world class treatment system the UK Government must restore the 5-year programme of investment recommended by Dame Carol Black. This funding must be ringfenced and protected against inflation and other cost pressures.
- Residential treatment must be an accessible option in every part of the country, in line with published evidence and UK Government guidance. The current system of funding and procurement isn’t working – it’s an inefficient postcode lottery.
- The UK Government should commission substance use treatment and recovery services in prison directly with the provider, separately from other health services, through a partnership including local authorities and prison governors, ensuring appropriate pathways are in place from prisons to both community and residential treatment and recovery services.
- The UK Government should develop a detailed and fully-resourced plan to deliver the recommendations of the Sentencing Review.
Simon Phillips, CEO for WithYou, says:
“In partnership with other charities in the drug and alcohol sector, we’ve agreed five essential steps to tackle drug and alcohol harm in England. WithYou are pleased to endorse the plan published by Collective Voice, which amplifies our joint call for renewed UK Government ambition in tackling drug and alcohol harm.
"The scale of alcohol and drug-related deaths, the profound impact on families and communities, and pressure on public services demand coordinated, long-term action.
"Lasting change depends on partnership and now is the time for collective action. As a sector, we share many of the same challenges. By coming together with a unified voice, we strengthen our influence and amplify our impact. When drug and alcohol issues aren’t prioritised, collective action is essential.
"We urge the UK Government to engage with the sector to address these ongoing challenges. Together, we can build a recovery system that saves lives and strengthens communities.”