This report presents the independent findings, conclusions and recommendations of an expert group supported by Public Health England and the Local Government Association. The expert group investigated drug-related deaths in England with the aim of understanding recent rises in deaths and helping local areas to prevent future premature deaths.

The report is based on two meetings of the group, which heard a range of evidence, supported by commissioned data analysis and informed by five stakeholder events around the country. Across these local events, around 400 stakeholders helped gather intelligence on local thinking and practice in relation to drug-related deaths.

The group’s findings are based on their synthesis of this evidence and their individual experience and expertise, as clinicians, academics or service users. The report is intended primarily for commissioners and providers of specialist services for people who use drugs. Its recommendations are also applicable locally for clinical commissioning groups, NHS and other health, social care, criminal justice, employment and housing and homelessness services, and coroners; and nationally for Public Health England, NHS England, government departments, the Office for National Statistics, the Care Quality Commission and the Chief Coroner.