Vouchers for 'clean' drug addicts
Drug addicts will be handed vouchers worth up to £200 if they stay clean, it has been announced.
A six-month pilot programme designed to help users come off drugs for good will see about 1,000 addicts offered the incentives.
They will be able to spend the vouchers on a range of goods and services including clothing, bicycles, food, toiletries, education courses and bus passes.
They will also be able to buy children's toys and games, although electronic devices will be excluded from the scheme, as will alcohol and "luxury goods".
Vouchers can also be used to pay gas and electricity bills.
If successful, the project could be introduced across England and Wales.
Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said the "innovative" scheme will be closely supervised by drug workers and no cash will change hands.
Ms Primarolo said: "Incentives will take the form of vouchers which drug misusers can exchange for approved goods and services.
"These could include evening classes or courses to help prepare drug users for going back to work and household items to help them lead more stable lives."
She added: "This trial will investigate whether certain incentives will encourage drug users to re-establish their lives and stay off drugs."