STUC RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION ON DRUG TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION (SCOTLAND) BILL

1 Introduction

1.1 The STUC is Scotland’s Trade Union Centre. Its purpose is to coordinate, develop and articulate the views and policies of the Trade Union Movement in Scotland reflecting the aspirations of trade unionists as workers and citizens.

1.2 The STUC represents around 630,000 working people and their families throughout Scotland. It speaks for trade union members in and out of work, in the community and in the workplace. Our affiliated organisations have interests in all sectors of the economy. Our representative structures are constructed to take account of the specific views of women members, young members, black/minority ethnic members, LGBT members, and members with a disability, as well as retired and unemployed workers.

1.3 The STUC welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation on the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation (Scotland) Bill.

2 Specific Questions

2.1 1. The main proposal of the Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation (Scotland) Bill is to provide an individual holistic care plan for drug users within seven days of requesting such assistance. Do you agree with this proposal?

The STUC broadly agrees with the introduction of a holistic care plan but we are unable to comment on whether seven days is a reasonable length of time within which to request such assistance.

2.2 2. The Bill proposes to offer a range of options, within the care plan, to drug users. Which do you think should be offered?

The STUC is not in a position to make a judgement on the components of a care plan. We do believe however, that at an appropriate juncture, return to work support, including “in work support”, is very important.

2.2 3. The Bill proposes to offer alternative substitute prescribing such as methadone, heroin, Buprenorphine and Subutex as part of the care plan. Do you agree with this proposal?

The STUC has no position on this.

2.3 7. The Executive should fully fund the proposals in this Bill? However, the Bill proposes that a percentage of money seized from drug dealers under the Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) should be used for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users. Do you agree with this proposal?

The STUC has no position on this.

STUC September 2006