DRUGS to help heroin users in the event of an overdose are no longer issued in Yorkshire, according to a report.

The survey by the Local Government Association on behalf of the LGA and Public Health England, was carried out on to better understand the use of naloxone in local authorities.

Naloxone is a drug which blocks or reverses the effects of heroin and other opioids in the event of an overdose, and can potentially save lives. Within the 134 local authorities which responded to the survey - some of which share services - 90 per cent made take-home naloxone available to drug users. About 95 per cent made it available to users of drug treatment services, and 79 per cent made it available to family members of users, to allow them to help out in emergencies.

A response from the LGA in Yorkshire & Humber said the drug had been issued, but was discontinued due to budget issues.

Their response read: “We piloted Naloxone which ended in 2016. Unfortunately with the in year cut to the PH (public health) budget and having to find significant savings across all services it was not something we could consider at that time. We have started discussions with our providers to see how we can make it available.

“Specialist service have developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for naloxone – focussing on administration within treatment hubs.

"This is currently subject to their internal approval. It will then progress to commissioner approval. We expect this to be implemented by the Autumn.”

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “The biggest challenge we all face is an ageing cohort of drug users, who have not previously sought or had any treatment.

"As a result, they are prone to an accumulation of chronic physical and mental health conditions that make them more susceptible to dying through overdose."

“Councils are committed to ensuring drug users get the right support and treatment, and spend more on drug and alcohol treatment than in any other area of public health. This year alone, local authorities are budgeting to spend more than £700 million on tackling substance misuse. But it is essential that we engage those not already in drug treatment. While latest estimates suggest there are about 200,000 people getting help, we must focus our efforts on reaching out to the 100,000 who are not.”