Alcohol Concern welcomes the Public Services Agreement on Alcohol and Drugs

For Immediate Release

Alcohol Concern welcomes the Public Services Agreement on Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol Concern welcomes the new Comprehensive Spending Review and the support it promises to reduce alcohol harms.

Don Shenker, Director of Policy and Services said:

This new agreement represents a green light for those working to reduce alcohol-related harm. For the past year Alcohol Concern has been working to convince the government of the need to include harm reduction targets in its new spending review. We are delighted that they have taken our arguments on board. These targets, which aim to reduce both alcohol-related hospital admissions and public disorder will now enable local areas to finally prioritise alcohol harm reduction work in their communities. We know that for every one pound spent on alcohol treatment, five pounds are saved elsewhere. This is a worthwhile, and overdue investment.

ENDS

For more information please contact Frank Soodeen at the Alcohol Concern press office on 0207 264 0514.

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: 09 October 2007