substance misuse
Councils are currently addressing substance misuse through new service contracts, safeguarding strategies, and tackling youth vaping.
Barking and Dagenham Council adopted its Community Safety Partnership Strategy in September 2026, identifying substance misuse as a priority. Haringey Council's Cabinet approved a new three-year contract for its substance misuse service with BUBIC in September 2026. In March 2026, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet committed £15,376,013 for drug and alcohol services for 2026-2029, while Barnet secured over £4.3 million for 2026/27, prioritising LGBTQ+ and chemsex support. Lewisham Council awarded 11 contracts for rehabilitation and day programmes in January 2026.
Tower Hamlets councillors raised concerns about a rise in youth vaping and substance misuse near schools in July 2026. Hammersmith and Fulham Council is enhancing its strategy to combat cuckooing, often linked to drug trafficking, as highlighted in July 2026. Brent Council's Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Brent Safeguarding Adults Board's strategic plan for 2024-2026 in July 2026, which focuses on self-neglect, housing need, and substance misuse.
The Brent Safeguarding Adults Board's priorities, approved in March 2026, also include mental health and suicide prevention. Hackney Council approved a tender process for substance misuse services in September 2025 to boost treatment access. Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board discussed new Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco strategic priorities for 2025-28 in July 2025, following a rise in alcohol-specific mortality rates.
Key facts
- Barking and Dagenham Council adopted its Community Safety Partnership Strategy for 2026-2030, identifying substance misuse as a priority area, in September 2026. Source
- Haringey Council's Cabinet approved a £1,475,421 contract for its substance misuse service with BUBIC for three years in September 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets councillors raised alarms over youth vaping and substance misuse near schools in July 2026. Source
- Hillingdon Council's Cabinet approved £15,376,013 for drug and alcohol services for 2026-2029 in March 2026. Source
- Barnet secured over £4.3 million for substance misuse funding for 2026/27, prioritising LGBTQ+ and chemsex support, in March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.