THE council is working to ensure there is 'continuity of care' for drug addiction service users following the collapse of a £56million drug and alcohol treatment contract due to launch this autumn.
The charity Waythrough, which runs Recovery Steps Cumbria, has revealed it pulled out of a drug treatment service contract because of concerns over "the structure of the commissioned model and how services would operate within it".
Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council have now confirmed that concerns were raised following the award of the contract and that the new service will no longer begin on October 1 as planned.
Instead, an interim contract will aim to ensure that existing services can continue while a new procurement process is undertaken.
Background
The current Cumbria-wide addictions service commenced in October 2021 and was delivered by charity Humankind, which became Waythrough in 2024.
Following the reorganisation of Cumbria council into the Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness authorities, a September 2024 report revealed plans to recommission addiction services across both authorities.
It described recommissioning as an opportunity for “innovation and redesign”, with a more preventative and person-centred approach.
By 2025-26, Cumberland Council had moved to procure a new Cumbria-wide addictions service jointly with Westmorland and Furness Council.
Procurement documents published in 2026 show the existing addictions service was split into two elements:
- Treatment service
- Engagement and recovery support service
The £24million engagement and recovery support service was awarded to The Well Communities CIC. The six-year contract is scheduled to start on October 1, 2026, with options to extend.
Following a decision on July 3, the £56million treatment service, however, will no longer begin alongside it.
'Working closely with the current service provider'
A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: "Following Waythrough's decision to withdraw, the new Cumbria substance use service will not commence on October 1, 2026 as originally planned.
"The councils are working closely with the current service provider to explore arrangements that will maintain existing services and ensure there is no disruption to treatment and support for people who use them."
The councils claimed there would be "no impact on current service provision" and that treatment and support services would continue while alternative arrangements were put in place.
Waythrough said concerns about the structure of the proposed service had led to its decision.
A spokesperson said: "After careful consideration, we have taken the difficult decision not to proceed with the new treatment service contract.
"While we explored every opportunity to make the model work, we concluded that Waythrough was not best placed to deliver the service under the proposed arrangements.
"Our concerns related to the structure of the commissioned model and how services would operate within it."
'The wellbeing of service users is my absolute priority'
Councillor Justin McDermott, Cumberland Council's executive member for health and wellbeing, said his priority remained protecting people using the service.
He said: "While I was naturally disappointed by Waythrough's decision to withdraw, I recognise that organisations must make decisions based on their own circumstances and priorities.
"My focus throughout this process has been, and continues to be, on the people who rely on these vital services.
"The wellbeing of service users is my absolute priority, and I am working closely with colleagues, partners and existing providers to ensure there is no disruption to support while arrangements are put in place for the future.
"Residents can be reassured that services remain available and that continuity of care is at the heart of every decision we are making."
Cllr McDermott said he remained confident a new provider could be found.
He added: "I remain committed to delivering a new service model that provides the highest quality support and the best value for residents.
"I am encouraged by the strong level of interest we have already seen from organisations keen to deliver this important service in Cumbria, and I am confident that we can partner with a provider that shares our ambition, meets the needs of our communities, and builds on the good work that is already taking place."
Interim contract agreed
Waythrough have confirmed that they will no longer provide Recovery Steps, however they said an interim contract has been agreed to continue the service until a new provider is found.
A spokesperson from Cumberland Council said: "The councils are working with the current provider, Waythrough, to ensure the continued delivery of substance use treatment and support services beyond October 1, 2026 while procurement for the new treatment service is undertaken.
"Our priority is to maintain continuity of care and avoid any disruption for people who rely on these services."
The councils said they had not incurred any direct mobilisation or implementation expenditure beyond officer time associated with planning activities and were unaware of any financial liability arising from the withdrawal.
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