We were also concerned that the JCDU and departments would not be able to develop a sufficient evidence base in the time available. They have begun to collect evidence on ‘what works’ but told us that timing was an issue and there would be limited evidence on the programme. However, health interventions are based on clinical best practices and evaluation would provide some early evidence of impacts. The JCDU also said that Project ADDER, which pre-dated the strategy, would be evaluated and th...

We were also concerned that the JCDU and departments would not be able to develop a sufficient evidence base in the time available. They have begun to collect evidence on ‘what works’ but told us that timing was an issue and there would be limited evidence on the programme. However, health interventions are based on clinical best practices and evaluation would provide some early evidence of impacts. The JCDU also said that Project ADDER, which pre-dated the strategy, would be evaluated and there were examples of progress in several local authority areas.19 In written evidence after the session DHSC also highlighted that clinical research for Type: conclusion | Number: 8 | Response status: accepted Government response: 1.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: by the end of 2024 1.2 There has been significant progress in delivering the Drug Strategy since the start of additional funding in April 2022. As of November 2023, the government