Responding to latest Office for National Statistics data showing a record number of deaths caused by alcohol during the first nine months of 2020, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“Every one of these figures represents a life lost too soon to the effects of alcohol misuse, leaving family and friends in mourning. They are another tragic reminder that people with alcohol and other substance misuse problems need the right support and treatment, which councils are committed to providing despite the ongoing pressures of the pandemic.
“We know there is still a huge amount of unmet need, with more than half a million adults estimated to have alcohol dependency needing specialist treatment, while a high proportion of those receiving treatment are living in the most deprived areas.
“The causes of alcohol misuse and finding solutions for it are complex, but we know the positive impact that early intervention can have.
“Councils are doing all they can to help keep people healthy throughout their lives and reduce pressure on the NHS and social care, particularly during the pandemic, but need certainty over their individual public health grants for next year as soon as possible.”
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