Agenda item

This report sets out the findings and recommendations of the Khat Task Group that are being presented to the Health Partnerships Overview and Scrutiny Committee for endorsement.

Councillor Hunter, the Chair of the khat task group, introduced the item and explained that the group had heard a wide cross-section of views concerning khat and also had read a number of Government reports on the matter.  The task group had made nine recommendations as set out in the report that it had considered both practical and useful to pursue and these would also be put to the Executive for formal approval.  Councillor Hunter commented that khat use was often associated with Somalians who were unemployed, particularly with those who arrived in the UK earlier and who may have English language difficulties that limited their employability.  The task group was not advising on a khat ban and it was noted that this was not within the scope of the committee and this would be a matter for the Government to consider.  Furthermore, a Government report published in 2005 had concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to ban khat.  Councillor Hunter acknowledged that there were some within the Somalian community in Brent who had hoped that khat could be banned, whilst others had felt that criminalising khat use would worsen matters.  The committee heard that the London Borough of Hillingdon had undertaken a similar study on khat last year and had concluded that banning khat was not a solution to concerns raised.

The Chair then invited Abukar Awale, who had participated in task group activities, to address the committee.  Abukar Awale introduced himself as a community engagement officer and as an ex khat addict.  Abukar Awale asserted that khat was responsible for damaging communities and that the majority of those attending meetings organised by the task group supported the banning of khat.  Whilst it was acknowledged that there were some moderate khat users, Members heard that there were around 520 young males in West London who suffered from mental health issues as a result of khat use.  Abukar Awale also cited The Netherlands as an example of a country that had outlawed khat, even though it was well-known for its tolerance to drugs.  He asked that the voices of those wanting khat to be banned be heard and that felt that it was within the councillors’ scope to support this.

The Chair invited Dr Muna Ismail, who had carried out a scientific study on khat, to address the committee.  Dr Muna Ismail explained that she had carried out a PhD in khat use and was continuing research on this at post-doctorate level.  She drew Members’ attention to a document she had produced that was circulated at the meeting and advised that at present there was no conclusive evidence with regard to the question of khat being damaging to human health and there was a clear need for further scientific research to be undertaken.  Members noted that there was not much evidence at present that there a high percentage of chronic habitual khat users.  Dr Muna Ismail explained that she had undertaken a comparison of khat with cannabis where a lot more research documents were available and it was noted that The Netherlands had recently tightened legislation over cannabis use.  She requested the committee’s support in asking for further research to be undertaken about khat.

Phil Sealy, a former Brent councillor, was also invited to address the committee.  Phil Sealy advised that the Brent Community Health Council had previously requested that the issue of khat use be looked into and commented that there had been a similar acceptance amongst some from the West Indian community concerning cannabis use.  He felt that there needed to be serious commitment into tackling khat use in the same way there had been towards cannabis which had proved particularly damaging to the West Indian community.

Councillor Gladbaum, another member of the task group, also spoke to the committee.  Councillor Gladbaum stated that the task group had spoken extensively with the Somalian community and had undertaken considerable research before producing its findings.  She stated that initially she had been in support of banning khat, however since being involved in the task group, she now felt that criminalising it would not be beneficial and would disadvantage some in the Somalian community. 

Hussein Hersi, representing the Red Sea Foundation, also addressed the committee and stated that khat was used by diverse members of the Somalian Community.  He felt the task group had produced a well-balanced report and thanked them for their work with the Somalian community.

During discussion by Members, Councillor Daly commented that the damage to health by tobacco could clearly be seen, however because it had been in existence for so long, outlawing it was virtually impossible.  She felt that consideration needed to given as to what effects khat use had on the Somalian community and that appropriate steps needed to be taken if was seen to be damaging.  Councillor Colwill concurred with Phil Sealy in relation to the harmful effects of cannabis and action had been taken against tobacco use after the council had passed a motion to ban smoking in council buildings.  He felt that as the Somalian community had voiced serious concerns about kat use, along with the recent banning of it in The Netherlands, that it would be appropriate to put pressure on the Government to take action against khat use.  He also felt that the task group should continue with its work to look further into khat use. 

In reply to some of the issues raised, Councillor Hunter advised that there was no evidence from mental health centres to suggest that khat was a contributor to mental health illnesses.  During discussions with the task group, those who did not wish for a khat ban had stated that they did not think there were any links to it leading to harder drugs use or crime.  Councillor Hunter stated that one of the limiting factors at present was the lack of resources to carry out the necessary statistical research on khat use.  A World Health Organisation report published in 2007 had concluded that khat was not physically addictive.  Councillor Hunter acknowledged that there had been mixed views expressed by the Somalian community in respect of khat use, however khat also played a role within this community and was used in a wide variety of occasions, including weddings.  She reiterated that it was not within the scope of the task group or the committee to ban khat use in Brent.

Councillor Hunter advised that in addition to the nine recommendations in the report, a further two recommendations were to be added in relation to requesting that more research be undertaken by relevant agencies about khat use and that a conference be organised in Brent about khat for all stakeholders.  Andrew Davies (Policy and Performance Officer, Strategy, Partnerships and Improvement) added that he would devise the wording of the two additional recommendations and circulate to Members.

RESOLVED:-

(i)     that the recommendations of the khat task group in the report, and in addition the two additional recommendations as outlined below and subject to finalised wording, be endorsed:-

·         more research be undertaken by relevant agencies about khat use

·         that a conference be organised in Brent about khat for all stakeholders

(ii)    that these recommendations be passed to the Executive for approval.