Patient brokering involves individuals or organisations receiving financial incentives for referring patients to specific private addiction rehabilitation centres, regardless of whether it is in the best interest of the clinical needs of the patient.  

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor, chair of the LGA's Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: ‘Patient brokering is a deeply concerning and unethical practice that puts profit before patient wellbeing.  

‘Vulnerable individuals seeking help for addiction deserve safe, ethical and clinically appropriate care, and not to be treated as commodities at one of the most vulnerable points in their addiction recovery. 

‘We must protect the integrity of our addiction treatment system and ensure that adequate safeguards are in place so that every person seeking help is met with dignity, compassion, and respect.'

The call followed data showing the number of adults in contact with treatment services for drug and alcohol misuse in 2024/25 was up by 6% on the previous year.

The LGA urged the Government to: ban patient brokering and impose penalties on those who engage in or facilitate it; create a single registered online gateway for the public to access professional addiction help; support and resource local authorities to raise awareness and safeguard individuals from exploitation; and promote community, NHS and charity-led services, which operate under strict ethical guidelines and offer person-centred care, ensuring efficient use of public funds.