SPENDING on drug and alcohol services has fallen by more than £1m since 2014.

The figures show the funding for support in Cumbria has dropped, and will remain at a constant level for the next three years.

They also reveal the highest number of services users are in Barrow and Carlisle.

Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock said: "Cumbria County Council’s budget is under huge pressure because of the eye-watering cuts the Tory government in London have imposed on them, and these reductions in funding for vital drug and alcohol services are the result. Many of the most vulnerable people in Furness rely on these services and the consequences of cutting the funding could be extremely serious.

"Local government cuts have gone far enough, it is essential that the chancellor announces extra resources for local government in the budget later this month so that we can protect these essential services and keep people in Cumbria safe."

In 2014/15, the council spent £5,545,000 on providing the services, a figure that fell to £4,425,000 in 2016/17.

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: "The current provider, Unity, has demonstrated significant service improvements and cost efficiencies by developing close working relationships with other statutory services and third sector providers to develop wrap around support and promote sustained recovery.

"The current contract is due to expire at the end of September 2019 and the price of any future contract will need to be decided by the county council cabinet based on funds available."

While no data is available of substance misuse in the county, around 1,400 opiate users and 1,300 alcohol users receive treatment each quarter.