Guidance

Appendix 2 – National Combating Drugs Outcomes Framework (accessible version)

Updated 26 January 2024

June 2022

This appendix supports the National Combating Drugs Outcomes Framework in the drugs strategy local guidance, at Chapter 2. It provides the definitions of the headline measures, why we chose them, their limitations, and the source of the data. This is aimed at providing detail on the how we are measuring the headline outcomes, so that partnerships can assess and monitor how they can contribute to delivering them.

The current data collections have not all been developed specifically for this agenda, and there are potential gaps in monitoring change at the preferred frequency and geography. To tackle this, a full outcomes framework will be published in summer 2022, and will include details on:

• a full set of supporting metrics to show both progress towards outcomes, and to monitor the wider related system
• a data development plan to look at how to fill gaps in the data
• how the government will explore data intelligence approaches where it is difficult to get timely data

Reducing Drug Use

Supporting Metrics

For this outcome, we are exploring a range of supporting metrics, more timely, interim and/or proxy measures, and whole system measures, including:

• drug use in prisons
• drug use in the homelessness population
• impact of drugs on children and families
• acceptability of drug use

Proportion of individuals using drugs in the last year

Definition:

Proportion of individuals reporting use of drugs in the last year; 16-24 years, 16-59 years. Monitored by drug type (all, cannabis, cocaine), personal characteristics (gender, ethnicity, others as required), England and Wales.

Inclusion Basis:

The currently accepted measure of drug use in England and Wales, produced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), and provides a continuous time series since December 1995.

Limitations:

Annual Survey with time delay to publish, household-based survey, so excludes some groups. Last comparable data point is currently 2019/20.

Data Source:

Crime Survey for England and Wales, ONS^{[footnote 1]}

Definition:

Proportion of pupils aged 11-15 who took drugs in the last year. Monitored by drug type, personal characteristics (gender, ethnicity), England only

Inclusion Basis:

The currently accepted measure of drug use in children in England, produced by NHS Digital, and provides a continuous time series since 2001.

Limitations:

The survey is undertaken every 2 years, and only includes those in school. Last comparable data point is currently 2018.

Data Source:

Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young People in England^{[footnote 2]}

Prevalence of Opiate and Crack Use

Definition:

Estimated total number and prevalence rate of opiate and/or crack cocaine use at local authority, regional and England only. Monitored by drug type and age.

Inclusion Basis:

The currently used estimate of opiate and/or crack cocaine use prevalence; used to assess need in local authorities. It includes estimates of unseen use, not just those in contact with the treatment system.

Limitations:

The last update covers the period 2016/17, the next update will be for 2019/20.

Data Source:

Estimates of the prevalence of opiate use and/or crack cocaine use^{[footnote 3]}

Reducing Drug Related Crime

Supporting Metrics

For this outcome, we are exploring a range of supporting metrics, more timely, interim and/or proxy measures, and whole system measures, including:

• drug trafficking and possession
• proven reoffending
• hospital admissions for assault by sharp object
• acquisitive crime

Drug Related Homicide

Definition:

Homicides that involve drug users or dealers or have been related to drugs in any way. An offence is ‘drug- related’ if any of the following variables are positive: victim illegal drug user; victim illegal drug dealer; suspect illegal drug user; suspect illegal drug dealer; victim has taken a drug; suspect has taken a drug; suspect had motive to obtain drugs; suspect had motive to steal drug proceeds; drug related. England and Wales.

Inclusion Basis:

Reducing homicides is a government ambition and around half of homicides are flagged as drug related. This is the official measure of drug related homicide in England and Wales.

Limitations:

The criteria for assigning the drug-related flag is broad

Data Source:

Homicide in England and Wales^{[footnote 4]}

Neighbourhood Crime

Definition:

Neighbourhood Crime, made up of domestic burglary, personal robbery, vehicle offences and theft from the person. England and Wales

Inclusion Basis:

Drug use can have an impact on the quality of life and the level of crime in an area, with nearly half of acquisitive crime believed to be linked to drug use. This data is survey based, so gives a fuller picture of the crime being committed, as it may not all be reported.

Limitations:

We are not currently able to specify which crimes are drug related

Data Source:

Crime Survey for England and Wales^{[footnote 5]}

Reducing Drug Related Harm

Supporting Metrics

For this outcome, we are exploring a range of supporting metrics, more timely, interim and/or proxy measures, and whole system measures, including:

• prevalence of Hepatitis C in those who inject drugs
• A&E attendances for drugs misuse

Deaths from Drug Misuse

Definition:

Deaths related to drug misuse in England only. Monitored by English region, date of death and date of registration.

Inclusion Basis:

The official data covering deaths by drug misuse, and a key area of harm covered by the strategy

Limitations:

The data is published annually, and due to the requirement for a coroner in these cases, there is a significant time delay in registering the death. Monitoring both the date of death and registration allows us to see the impact at the time of our interventions, but there will be some time delay before we see the impact.

Data Source:

Deaths related to drug poisoning England and Wales^{[footnote 6]}

Hospital Admissions for Drug Misuse

Definition:

Hospital admissions for drug poisoning and drug related mental health and behavioural disorders (primary diagnosis of selected drugs) in England only. Monitored by National, Local Authority, and age group (16-24, over 25)

Inclusion Basis:

A measure of high health harm from drug misuse.

Limitations:

Only includes admissions, not other interactions with the health services, and is a count of admissions not individuals.

Data Source:

NHS Digital^{[footnote 7]}

Reducing Supply

Supporting Metrics

For this outcome, we are exploring a range of supporting metrics, more timely, interim and/or proxy measures, and whole system measures, including:

• drug Seizures
• drug purity
• safeguarding of vulnerable people and children

Number of county lines closed

Definition:

Number of county lines closed through the County Lines Programme. England only.

Inclusion Basis:

A drug strategy ambition and a measure of police activity through this programme

Limitations:

Is a measure for the county lines programme, which covers a restricted geography. It does not tell us whether the line has been replaced or the business displaced elsewhere.

Data Source:

Home Office^{[footnote 8]}

Organised Crime Gang disruptions

Definition:

Number of moderate and major OCG disruptions against organised criminals. Major: Significant disruptive impact on an OCG, individual or vulnerability, with significant or long-term impact on the threat. Moderate: As above but with noticeable and/or medium-term impact on the threat. England and Wales.

Inclusion Basis:

Measure of the impact of enforcement activity to disrupt organised crime

Limitations:

There is some overlap with county lines closures

Data Source:

National Crime Agency^{[footnote 9]}

Increase Engagement in Treatment

Supporting Metrics

For this outcome, we are exploring a range of supporting metrics, more timely, interim and/or proxy measures, and whole system measures, including:

• unmet need
• deaths in treatment
• access to treatment through the criminal justice system

Numbers in Treatment

Definition:

Numbers in treatment for adults and young people. Monitored by: Protected characteristics, opiate and/or crack cocaine users (OCUs) and non-OCUs, and alcohol, Type of treatment (any type, rehab and inpatient detox). England only.

Inclusion Basis:

An overview of the expansion of different types of treatment places and that they are being accessed. Also gives a view of whether the access is reaching different groups.

Limitations:

Does not give an indication of the quality of places and treatment being delivered.

Data Source:

Alcohol and drug treatment statistics: adults and young people.^{[footnote 10]}

Prison Continuity of Care

Definition:

Proportion of prison leavers transferred to community treatment providers, who are successfully engaged within 3 weeks. England only.

Inclusion Basis:

High harm cohort that often fall through the cracks; ensuring they can maintain treatment and support is key

Limitations:

Includes only those with an identified need, and does not assess the quality or type of treatment they are taking up

Data Source:

Alcohol and drug treatment in secure settings^{[footnote 11]}

Improve Recovery Outcomes

Supporting Metrics

For this outcome, we are exploring a range of supporting metrics, more timely, interim and/or proxy measures, and whole system measures, including:

• in stable accommodation
• accessing mental health treatment
• undertaking meaningful activity, including employment
• families and safeguarding

Treatment Effectiveness

Definition:

Treatment effectiveness measure: proportion in stable accommodation who have completed treatment, are drug-free in treatment, or have sustained reduction in drug use. England only.

Inclusion Basis:

Measure to cover the effectiveness of treatment, covering the range of progress that individuals are making

Limitations:

Does not give an indication of whether outcomes are maintained post treatment

Data Source:

Office for Health Improvement and Disparities

1. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2020 ↩

2. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/smoking-drinking-and-drug-use-among- young-people-in-england/2018 ↩

3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/opiate-and-crack-cocaine-use-prevalence-estimates-for-local-populations ↩

4. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/homicideinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2021 ↩

5. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/crimeinenglandandwalesappendixtables ↩

6. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/datasets/deathsrelatedtodrugpoisoningenglandandwalesreferencetable ↩

7.   https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/statistics-on-drug-misuse/2020 ↩

8. Internal Management Information ↩

9. Internal Management Information ↩

10.  https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/alcohol-and-drug-misuse-and-treatment-statistics ↩

11. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-in-secure-settings-2020-to-2021/alcohol-and-drug-treatment-in-secure-settings-2020-to-2021-report ↩