ALCOHOL CONCERN: ANOTHER BUDGET, ANOTHER WASTED OPPORTUNITY

Alcohol Concern, the national agency working to reduce alcohol-related harm criticised the 2007 Budget delivered to the House of Commons today for failing to address the damage done by alcohol misuse.

For Immediate Release

14:30 hrs, Wednesday 21st March 2007


ALCOHOL CONCERN: ANOTHER BUDGET, ANOTHER WASTED OPPORTUNITY


Alcohol Concern, the national agency working to reduce alcohol-related harm criticised the 2007 Budget delivered to the House of Commons today for failing to address the damage done by alcohol misuse.

Srabani Sen, Chief Executive, said:

Once again the Treasury shows how unwilling it is to make the difficult choices required to cut down the level of alcohol-related harm in the country. This years increases in excise duty (that are only in line with inflation) means that alcohol remains 54% more affordable than it was twenty years ago, despite the evidence showing that taxation is a key tool for reducing excessive consumption, and the damage this causes.

There was a real opportunity for the Treasury to show some leadership and contribute to positive change at a time when Government is conducting a comprehensive review of its alcohol harm reduction policies. But for this year at least, that chance has been lost


ENDS

For more information please contact Frank Soodeen at the Alcohol Concern press office on 0207 395 4003.

Notes to editors

Alcohol Concern is the national agency working to reduce alcohol-related harm in society. We work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of alcohol services available to problem drinkers and their families.

Date: 21 March 2007