Although the majority of Kent residents drink alcohol responsibly, there are a large proportion of people for whom alcohol misuse is a problem. Liver disease is on the increase and alcohol misuse can also lead to violence and family disruption. The National Alcohol Strategy makes key recommendations on enforcement and disorder that are echoed in the Kent Strategy.
The Kent Strategy for 2014-16 goes further by pledging action to improve the current prevention and treatment arrangements in Kent. Currently there is evidence that not enough people are being referred for Alcohol Treatment and that too few people are aware of the harm that alcohol misuse is causing them. There are also a number of vulnerable groups, whose needs must be addressed.
This Alcohol Strategy has six pledges for action to reduce alcohol-related harm and six evidence-based steps that we will take. Once this strategy is endorsed by this Committee a detailed plan of action will be drawn up with partners.
Decision type: Non-key - Low
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: (All Division);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 31/03/2014
Decision due: Not before 9th May 2014 by Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services & Public Health
Reason: In order that the strategy and proposed decision to adopt it can be considered by the relevant Cabinet Committee
To approve the adoption of the Kent Alcohol Stratey 2014-16
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services & Public Health
Lead director: Andrew Scott-Clark
Department: Social Care, Health & Wellbeing
Contact: Jessica Mookherjee, Consultant in Public Health 0300 333 6382 Email: Jessica.Mookherjee@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
The
proposed decision and draft strategy will be considered by the
relevant Cabinet Committee on 2nd May 2014
The strategy has been produced in
partnership with the many stakeholders from across Kent and
organisations directly involved with addressing the effects of
alcohol across the County, including Public Health Kent, Kent
Police, Trading Standards and the Kent Drug and Alcohol Action Team
(KDAAT).
An earlier draft of the strategy was
open for formal consultation via the Kent County Council website
from early December 2013 until mid- January 2014. A number of updates to the strategy have been made
following feedback received.
Financial implications: Jess Mookherjee Consultant External :0300 333 6382 Jessica.Mookherjee@kent.gov.uk Andrew Scott-Clark Acting Director of Public External Tel: 0300 333 5214 Andrew.Scott-Clark@kent.gov.uk
Legal implications: 13/00094