Barnet Council adds £3.5 million to fund drug and alcohol services

Barnet Council confirmed on Monday that it will allocate an additional £3.5 million to its substance‑misuse programme. The decision was taken at the council’s cabinet meeting on 12 October 2026 and will fund prevention, treatment and recovery services for drug and alcohol problems across the borough.

Funding source and allocation

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The extra cash is ring‑fenced by the national government. Barnet Council said the Department of Health and Social Care provided the sum through the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, as reported by the Barnet Post. The allocation covers the financial years 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29, ensuring a three‑year stream of resources.

Expanded services for high‑need groups

Council officials explained that the funding will allow the continuation and expansion of established drug and alcohol services. Barnet Council said the move "will enable the continuation and expansion of established drug and alcohol prevention, treatment and recovery services, including interventions for rough sleepers, women, young people, people in the criminal justice system and those requiring enhanced treatment and recovery support", as reported by the Barnet Post. The additional money will also support new roles aimed at strengthening the current treatment offer.

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Contract with Change Grow Live

The council will deliver the programme through an enhanced contract with Change Grow Live, a charity that already runs substance‑misuse services for the borough. Change Grow Live employs staff who have previously used its own services, a fact the charity highlighted in its statements, according to the Barnet Post. The organisation said its focus is on ensuring every activity benefits both service users and the wider community.

"Crucially, people are dying from causes other than directly substance use."

Will Haydock, chief executive, Collective Voice

Next steps and resident involvement

Change Grow Live will begin rolling out the expanded services from the start of the 2026/27 financial year. Residents who need support can contact the charity directly through its website. The council will hold a public consultation on the enhanced contract later this year, giving locals an opportunity to comment on service design. Barnet Council said it will monitor outcomes and publish an annual report on the use of the funding.