More funding is needed to tackle drug addiction, according to an East Renfrewshire politician.

Paul O’Kane also wants to see the introduction of Heroin Assisted Treatment (HAT) programmes, aimed at people with long-term dependency on heroin who have not responded to traditional treatments such as methadone in the past.

Supporters have stressed that those taking part in HAT tend to place a disproportionate strain on health, criminal justice and other public services – at significant cost to those funding them.

Mr O’Kane, who represents East Renfrewshire as part of his remit as a West Scotland MSP, also gave his backing to drug consumption facilities, where users can take illicit substances under the supervision of medically-trained staff.

He spoke out during a debate at Holyrood marking one year since the launch of the Scottish Government’s national mission to tackle drugs deaths.

Mr O’Kane, who is Scottish Labour’s Shadow Health Minister and also a councillor for Newton Mearns North and Neilston, said: “Promises have to transform into action and pledges have to turn into financial investment that will go to local councils and organisations who are dedicated to making a difference to this major public health issue.

“We should never lose sight of the fact that this is an issue that affects the very heart of communities, causing families pain and grief.”

Figures released by the National Records of Scotland show a total of 10 lives were lost to drugs in East Renfrewshire during 2020 – up from eight the previous year.

Mr O’Kane added: “Scottish Labour will continue to be relentless in our scrutiny of the SNP government’s handling of this crisis and ensure everything is being done to save lives.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Government described every drug-related death as “a tragedy” and said it is providing an extra £250million nationwide over five years to improve and save lives.

“There is a strong body of evidence to support the effectiveness of Heroin Assisted Treatment, showing it can reduce the use of street drugs and increase the likelihood of individuals remaining in treatment,” she added.

“Currently, this treatment is available only to a relatively small group of people in Glasgow, where a pilot has been in operation since 2019. An evaluation of that project is expected to be published in the coming months.

“The Minister for Drugs Policy has reiterated her commitment to making this treatment option available in other parts of the country and, last year, announced an initial £400,000 would be available in 2021/22 to support this expansion and made clear her desire to work with any health board or alcohol and drug partnership to progress plans for these facilities across Scotland.”

The spokeswoman also backed the use of “a safer drug consumption room to operate within the current legal framework.”

She said: “We know these facilities have a strong evidence base in saving lives and helping some of our most vulnerable people.

“A fresh proposal will be made to the Lord Advocate once further detail on operation and policing is developed.”