Many congratulations to Sussex Police for their actions on getting drug users and dealers off the streets of Brighton and into treatment (The Argus, February 7). Not only are the health benefits obvious for the individuals concerned but this type of targeted activity has a demonstrable effect in reducing the level of drug-related crime.

How very disappointing then that in their budget for next year, the Conservative administration of Brighton and Hove City Council is refusing to fund city substance misuse services to the level of inflation. This means that they will suffer a cut to their funding in real terms.

Prior to last year's local elections, the Conservatives made much of the need to expand vital services such as these but now that their hands are actually on the purse strings we can see that these were just hollow promises.

Labour councillors will be seeking to reverse this cut and to increase the funding so that this successful work with Sussex Police and health organisations can be expanded.