Local Authorities told, "It's your round"

Tuesday 5th July 2005 - For Immediate Release

Press Release for Launch of Scrutiny Toolkit

Now that National Government has finally grasped the nettle and put in place a raft of measures aimed at reducing the harm caused by alcohol misuse, Local Authorities need to step up to the challenge of taking a more strategic approach to reducing the harm caused by alcohol to their local communities.

The destructive impact of alcohol on local communities is well documented with alcohol fuelling 50% of violent crime, being associated with up to 60% of child protection cases and 1 in 4 of the public saying that drunk and rowdy behaviour is a problem in their neighbourhood.

In a call for Local Authorities to take action on this issue, Alcohol Concern have launched a new ?Scrutiny Toolkit? aimed at encouraging Overview and Scrutiny Committees to scrutinise responses to alcohol problems in their area.

Geethika Jayatilaka, Director of Policy and Public Affairs for Alcohol Concern says: ?Whilst Local Authorities have been vocal about the impact of licensing changes on their residents, they are neglecting other ways of dealing with alcohol related harm. Alcohol misuse can take a terrible toll on individuals, families and local communities but local responses have often developed without co-ordination because of the large numbers of agencies involved and the lack of profile given to this issue. By taking a more strategic approach, Local Authorities can help reduce the human cost of alcohol misuse as well as the burden it places on public services?

Hazel Blears Minister of State Home Office said ?It is very encouraging to see the launch of this toolkit by Alcohol Concern. This is a real example of the voluntary sector making a major contribution to addressing the harms caused by the misuse of alcohol ? providing guidance on a key area to support the work of Local Authorities?

Gareth Wall, Centre for Public Scrutiny said, "The alcohol toolkit is one of the most comprehensive resource aimed at local government scrutinisers we have seen on any individual subject. Particularly useful are the suggested questions for proposed witnesses. A number of authorities have addressed the issue of alcohol misuse through the overview and scrutiny function, as evidenced by the entries in our online library of reviews. I am sure they would have found this an invaluable tool in planning their work, as will those authorities investigating the issue in the future. Given the arrival of new licensing laws this is a very timely new publication in support of local scrutinisers.

For press enquiries please contact Anne Jenkins at the Alcohol Concern press office on 020 7928 7377 (9 am ? 5 pm) 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.
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Date: 05 July 2005