Not a lot to say “cheers” to, says Alcohol Concern on the anniversary of the Alcohol Strategy

15th March 2005

One year on from the publication of the National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England, campaigners are worried at the chronic lack of progress.

According to the Government?s own research, the cost of alcohol-related harm is around £20 billion annually, but even this has not spurred them into taking swift action to reduce the terrible toll taken by alcohol misuse.

Key commitments which have not been met include:
· Promised Audit of Treatment Services which has still not been finalised
· No Government targets for harm reduction have been published
· No investment for help-giving treatment agencies

Speaking today, Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern said; ?Government action following the strategy has been sporadic and inconsistent. For the 1 in 13 people in this country who are dependent drinkers and the one million children who live with an alcohol-dependent parent, there is little good news.

?There is no sign of investment for specialist alcohol services who are simply unable to offer help to all those who need it. Neither has the Government set the promised targets for reducing the harm caused by problem drinking. Without these the strategy is simply hot air with little prospect of making a real difference.?

?The Government has shown great concern about tackling alcohol-related disorder, but that is a mere symptom of a wider problem. The Prime Minister has rightly called excessive drinking a ?national disease?, but without adequate resources for treatment, there is no cure.

ENDS

For press enquiries please contact the Alcohol Concern press office on 020 7928 7377 or email press@alcoholconcern.org.uk .

Notes to editors
· Alcohol Concern is the national agency working to reduce alcohol related harm in society. We campaign for action on alcohol misuse, making recommendations to key policy makers and professionals. We also help develop the level and quality of alcohol services available to problem drinkers and their families.
· The Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England was published on 15th March 2004. The Document sets out the Government?s Strategy for tackling the harms and costs of alcohol misuse in England. It is available at www.strategy.gov.uk
· The Press Office at Alcohol Concern can help in giving contact details of local alcohol services that could talk about the problems they face.

Date: 15 March 2005