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Written question asked by Lewis Atkinson (Labour) on Monday, 2 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. It was answered by Sarah Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Drugs: Departmental Responsibilities

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she can list the (a) Ministerial responsibilities and (b) the responsibilities and reporting arrangements of any relevant cross-departmental units in relation to drugs policy.

Answer

The Joint Combating Drugs Unit (JCDU) is responsible for driving and co-ordinating efforts across Government to tackle drugs, working in close partnership with six departments – the Home Office, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Department for Education. JCDU comprises full-time civil servants who are seconded from key government departments.

Each department is responsible for delivery of their programmes and projects. Progress is overseen by the lead departmental ministers but also reported to me as the lead drugs Minister, while a lead Permanent Secretary fulfils the role of senior responsible owner at official level.

Illicit drug use affects the whole of society, and this Government is taking a collective response to deliver safer streets, improve health outcomes and contribute to opportunities and growth through reducing crime and saving lives.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116994
Session
2024-26
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Departmental responsibilities Drugs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk