The Substance Misuse (Formulation and Implementation of Strategy) (Wales) Regulations 2007

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

Section 5 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (“the 1998 Act”) gives certain public authorities (“the responsible authorities”) in local government areas functions relating to the reduction of crime and disorder and the combatting of substance misuse. Collectively these authorities are known in Wales as Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs). Section 6 of the 1998 Act places obligations on CSPs to formulate and implement a strategy to reduce crime and disorder and combat substance misuse. These Regulations make further provision as to the formulation and implementation of the strategy to combat substance misuse.

Regulation 3 provides that CSPs must set up a strategy group. The role of the strategy group is to prepare a strategic assessment in accordance with regulations 5 to 7 and a partnership plan in accordance with regulations 8 and 9. The strategic assessment is an analysis of the levels and patterns of substance misuse in the area and the priorities the CSPs should adopt to address those matters. The partnership plan sets out a strategy for meeting those priorities and how that strategy should be implemented by the CSPs.

The Regulations also include provisions to facilitate information sharing within CSPs and ensure that when preparing a strategic assessment and partnership plan the CSPs engage with their local communities. Regulation 13 makes provision for the responsible authorities to have regard to any guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers. A regulatory impact assessment has been carried out in connection with these Regulations and is available from Margaret Hanson at the Welsh Assembly Government; telephone [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail]..