Calls to restore funding in Budget to tackle alcohol-related problems

An organisation that works to reduce alcohol-related harm has called for funding to be restored in the upcoming Scottish Budget.

Scottish Health Action On Alcohol Problems (Shaap) has called for alcohol funding to be restored stating that, while the problem of alcohol-related heath issues is growing, funding has been cut by 8% in two years.

The organisation, which was set up by the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh, hopes the Scottish Government will restore funding to the level it was at in 2014/15.

Dr Peter Rice, chairman of Shaap said: “Support and treatment services must be properly resourced and tailored to be accessible and acceptable to people with alcohol problems so that everyone who needs help can access it.

“It’s essential that the Scottish Government’s upcoming budget reflects the fact that during the pandemic harm from alcohol increased in Scotland and funding should be restored to 2014/15 levels and alcohol funding ringfenced as a first step towards rebuilding quality alcohol services.”

He added: “Much of the health service response to harm from alcohol is unplanned with emergency admissions to acute hospitals.

“There is a need for alcohol care teams to be established in all major hospitals to offer planned follow up to improve outcomes.

“There is a considerable unmet need for structured alcohol services and funds are limited.

“This budget is also an opportunity for the Scottish Government to introduce a social responsibility levy on alcohol retailers many of whom are likely to have accrued additional profits from minimum unit pricing.

“This would raise much-needed funds for alcohol services.”

The Scottish Government was contacted for comment.