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<p> </p><p>In December 2013 the Home Office published guidance for local authorities
which sets out the range of legislative tools they can use to tackle the 'head shops'
<br>where legal highs are often sold. This was developed in collaboration with the
Department for Communities and Local Government, the Local Government Association
and the Trading Standards Institute. The guidance covers offences head shops may be
committing under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, the Intoxicating Substances (Supply)
Act 1985, and various consumer protection regulations.<br><br>The Home Office also
provides local authorities and their trading standards officers with technical and
financial support with drug testing through the Forensic Early Warning System. This
supports local authorities in their action against the sale of legal highs by helping
them to identify the contents of legal high products. To date, we have brought well
over 250 substances under control through the use of ‘generic' legislation and temporary
class drug orders. We also work closely with law enforcement to tackle this reckless
trade. Concerted action, started in November 2013, has so far resulted in over 40
arrests and seizures of new psychoactive substances, including 9 kilograms by Kent
Police. <br><br>Last summer we also ran a targeted communications campaign to raise
awareness of the risks in taking new psychoactive substances amongst young people;
providing information on these substances through our FRANK online service. <br><br>However,
we accept that more can be done, hence my announcement on 12 December 2013 of a review
by an expert panel to look at how the UK's response to new psychoactive substances
can be enhanced beyond the existing measures. The expert panel includes a senior policy
advisor from the Local Government Association to inform the work of the panel from
a local government perspective. The panel is due to report its recommendations by
the end of spring 2014.</p><p> </p>
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