Benefits threat 'not good idea'

Withdrawing welfare benefits from addicts who refuse treatment is not a good idea, the Government's drugs advisers say.

The Home Office is considering the prospect of some form of "financial benefit sanction" for claimants who fail to address their drug or alcohol dependency.

The suggestion was included in the Government's drug strategy consultation which opened in August and closed in September.

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In response, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs said: "Treatment should not be linked to financial sanctions.

"In this scenario a few may benefit, however the majority may not as it does not take into account the genesis of the addiction."

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