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Approved Premises (Substance Testing) Bill - Sitting 1
15 December 2021
Type
Public Bill Committee
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement discusses the Approved Premises (Substance Testing) Bill, which aims to establish a comprehensive drug-testing framework in approved premises. The statement addresses the Approved Premises (Substance Testing) Bill which aims to implement rigorous drug-testing frameworks in approved premises, focusing on psychoactive substances and prescription medicines. The statement discusses the Approved Premises (Substance Testing) Bill and its role in supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending by implementing drug testing in approved premises.
Action Requested
The MP proposes that clause 1 of the bill would allow HMPPS to test residents for controlled drugs, psychoactive substances, and prescription medicines. The goal is to improve identification of substance misuse and ensure appropriate care planning and referrals to treatment.
Key Facts
- Clause 1 inserts proposed new section 13A into the Offender Management Act 2007.
- Subsection (2) allows staff to require urine samples from residents for testing.
- Testing can detect drugs for up to five days in urine compared to only 12 to 24 hours in oral fluid.
- In the year to March 2020, 48% of homicides were drug-related.
- The Government's drugs strategy represents a 10-year generational commitment with nearly £900 million additional funding over three years.
- Over the next three years, the total investment on combating drugs is £3 billion.
- The Bill aims to implement substance testing in approved premises.
- Discussions between residents and staff would follow a failed drug test.
- Referrals to appropriate drug misuse services could be initiated as part of an improvement plan.
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