Public health councils in the UK are stepping up their efforts to address drug and alcohol treatment and recovery needs with a renewed funding initiative from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). For the financial year 2025 to 2026, the DHSC has allocated £310 million in extra funding through the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant (DATRIG). This funding is aimed at assisting local authorities in addressing substance-related challenges while offering robust support for recovery.

This article provides an overview of the grant, its allocation, and the significance of these funds for improving support systems across the UK. If you’re curious about how this funding is planned to be used or its impact on communities, keep reading as we break it down.

Overview of the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant

The Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant consolidates multiple funding streams into a single, unified grant. These funds will enable local authorities to commission streamlined and effective support services that reflect the recommendations of Dame Carol Black’s independent review. The grant amalgamates funds from various existing sources into a cohesive strategy, including:

• The Supplemental Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Grant
• The Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Grant (RSDATG)
• The Housing Support Grant
• The Inpatient Detoxification Grant

By merging these streams, the government aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment initiatives while ensuring equitable funding allocation across regions.

Key Allocations and Focus Areas

Of the £310 million allocation, £58.7 million has been specifically designated for the Rough Sleeping Drug and Alcohol Treatment Grant (RSDATG). This amount directly supports individuals sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. These comprehensive services also extend to addressing co-occurring mental health needs, ensuring wrap-around care for vulnerable populations.

Additionally, the funding goes towards inpatient detoxification services arranged through regional or sub-regional consortiums. This approach provides a streamlined framework for councils to work collaboratively, pooling their resources to deliver targeted and high-impact services.

Local Funding Allocations Breakdown

The funding distribution among councils reflects the magnitude of substance misuse challenges faced by different regions. For example, here are notable allocations for 2025 to 2026 as part of the DATRIG:

• Birmingham: £11,741,333 (plus £218,264 from the IPS grant)
• Leeds: £9,714,626 (£201,289 from the IPS grant)
• Liverpool: £8,830,797 (£265,783 from the IPS grant)
• Manchester: £6,779,248 (£175,872 from the IPS grant)
• Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: £4,599,334 (£180,895 from the IPS grant)

Additional regions receiving substantial funding include London boroughs, with inner-city areas receiving support reflective of the ongoing challenges posed by substance misuse.

It is worth noting that some councils, particularly those involved in consortiums, may not receive funding allocated directly to them. Instead, regional leads oversee funding distribution to these councils, enabling collaborative approaches to treatment and recovery services.

Importance of Funding for Recovery Services

Improved drug and alcohol treatment funding creates more accessible support services for communities grappling with substance misuse challenges. This targeted grant furthers the UK’s commitment to reducing addiction rates, promoting recovery, and addressing public health concerns. The dedication to such investment generates multifaceted benefits:

• Enhanced Accessibility: By combining various streams, services are more organised and readily available for those in need.
• Targeted Support for Vulnerable Populations: Additional resources are allocated to support individuals sleeping rough who face compounding health challenges.
• Data-Driven Commissioning Models: Funding will empower councils to focus on evidence-based approaches, drawing on data to deliver impactful and meaningful outcomes.
• Community-level Impact: Enhanced recovery funding benefits not only individuals but their families and communities, fostering resilience and social cohesion.

Collaborative Frameworks

A particular highlight of this funding initiative is the emphasis on collaboration. Regional consortiums ensure efficient resource allocation, allowing smaller councils to partner with better-resourced areas. For instance, councils like Barking and Dagenham and Barnet operate under consortium models led by larger local authorities such as Havering and Ealing, maximising their impact through joint efforts.

Future Implications for National Health and Local Communities

Investments in drug and alcohol recovery services reflect a broader vision to tackle the underlying factors driving substance misuse. Initiatives funded by DATRIG will likely expand access to care, particularly for populations marginalised by traditional treatment programmes. For councillors and policymakers, this funding represents an opportunity to create systemic change and reduce dependency cycles over time.

Beyond the immediate benefits, this funding stream aligns with public health goals to reduce pressure on other social services, such as law enforcement, emergency healthcare, and housing authorities. Supporting residents in recovery leads to safer and healthier communities with improved long-term outlooks.

How Councils Can Harness This Funding

To make the most of the available grants, councils are encouraged to:

1. Focus on Prevention: Adopt strategies that reduce new cases of substance misuse by limiting access to drugs and alcohol and supporting early intervention programmes.
2. Strengthen Partnerships: Work closely with community organisations, healthcare providers, and law enforcement to provide holistic care.
3. Leverage Technology: Use data analytics to identify high-risk areas, track performance metrics, and adapt programmes for maximum effectiveness.
4. Promote Public Awareness: Run awareness campaigns to educate residents on available recovery services and destigmatise seeking help.

The emphasis on data, collaboration, and education ensures that funding addresses root causes while empowering individuals to reclaim control of their lives.

Source: dbrecoveryresources