Effective drug treatment can halve the misuse of illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine. It can also achieve dramatic cuts in crimes such as shoplifting, burglary and drug dealing. These are the findings from The National Treatment Outcome Research Study (NTORS), the largest study of treatment outcomes for drug misusers ever conducted in the UK. 

In as move to help people to retain their independence, local councils will devise strategies to support those at the greatest risk. A key aim will be to identify people who would benefit most from early help.
The strategy development process will involve consultation with users and carers, frontline staff and other relevant bodies, particularly those in the voluntary sector. 

By Andrew Massey
This new Public Management and Policy Association Report, was written for people with no prior understanding of British government and also for people who not only understand how it works, but are part of the current debate about modernizing government. It will be of interest to practitioners, commentators and students (first degree and MPA as well as some sixth formers who now need to study civics).