OLDHAM is set to receive more than £550,000 to help improve treatment for drug and alcohol addicts and reduce crime.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid last week announced a breakdown of funding for 150 of the most in need councils, as part of a £780m national investment over three years.

In 2022 to 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care is providing a total of £85.7m in grants to improve services in line with the Government's 2021 drug strategy, and the recommendations from Dame Carol Black’s independent review.

Oldham will receive £504,776 in its drug strategy allocation, as well as £52,453 to fund inpatient detoxification.

It is not among 50 local authorities across England, however, to receive the first wave of enhanced funding for the 2022/23 financial year.

Another 50 local authorities will be selected for 2023/24 and the final 50 in 2024/25.

The health secretary said: "This is a significant step in our commitment to rebuild the drug treatment system, save lives and level up the country.

"We’re investing a record amount in treatment services and ensuring some of the most deprived areas in England are first in line for this funding, to support the most vulnerable by cutting drug use."

He added: "Treatment is just one element of our far-reaching strategy to better rehabilitate drug users – whether it’s helping people get jobs, creating a stable home or cracking down on supply."

Kit Malthouse, combating drugs minister, said: "Aside from the personal misery and degradation, drugs are behind almost half of all burglaries and robberies, and drive violence and murder in too many neighbourhoods.

"We must maintain focus on the Prime Minister’s overall aim to reduce crime that blights our cities and towns, and the best way to do this is to work together to reduce homelessness, drug use and drug deaths."

All local authorities will receive additional funding as part of the drugs strategy’s £780m investment, with Oldham among 150 receiving more funding on top of this due to having greater need.

Dame Carol Black said: "Misuse of drugs leads to enormous human tragedy – for individuals, their families and their communities.

"This new government investment will transform services combatting substance misuse, providing people with high-quality treatment and support for recovery."