Oxfordshire is being told to increase the number of people undergoing drugs treatment, while receiving the region's smallest increase in Government cash.

Ministers have said the number of criminals sentenced to drug treatment and testing orders (DTTOs) must increase by half in the next financial year.

They have also insisted the county doubles the total number of people receiving treatment by 2008.

However, Oxfordshire is to receive just 10 per cent more money in 2003-04, the lowest percentage increase in the South East, and no extra money the following year.

That compares with a 25 per cent increase next year for Brighton and Hove.

In the past year Oxfordshire received £2.43m for drug treatment programmes. Next year it will get £2.67m.

Oxfordshire had a budget of £341,000 for DTTOs in the current year, but has already run out of money.

Oxford police's drugs co-ordinator Pat Peters said the county was being asked to do more with less money than other areas.

She said: "Ten per cent for the next year seems a lot. But if you consider other parts of the country are getting 30 per cent, we're not getting much at all."

She said cuts may have to be made during 2004-05, when there will be no increase in funds for Oxfordshire.

This year more than 40 people have gone through drug treatment and testing in Oxfordshire.

The orders are available to the courts as a sentencing tool for regular offenders who use crime to pay for their drug habits.

Mr Holman said the total number of people who underwent treatment in Oxfordshire during 2001-02 was "at least 750".

Paul Laing, area manager for Cranstoun Libra, which provides day treatment programmes in Cowley Road and at The Horton Hospital, Banbury, said increased numbers of DTTOs might prevent places being available for some people who had referred themselves to drug treatment.

"If there's a 50 per cent increase in DTTOs, it will make it hard to meet the needs of those who have referred themselves to treatment, rather than going through the criminal justice system," he said.

Hugo Luck, south east regional manager of the National Treatment Agency, which sets goals and standards for DAATs, welcomed the increase in money for the next year.

He said: "Every area has got an increase in funding. It's not just targeting the traditional inner city areas."

He praised Oxfordshire DAAT's record and said he had every confidence the DAAT and treatment providers in the county could cope with increased treatment targets.