Gov't announces extra £1m for alcohol abuse referral scheme

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by Change | 13 Nov 2008

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The Home Office is to offer additional funding to referral projects aimed at reducing alcohol abuse.

The government has announced it will provide an additional £1 million for referral projects targeted at those engaging in alcohol abuse.

People arrested after being involved in substance abuse of this kind will be sent to an alcohol treatment specialist who will diagnose the risk an individual is in.

Any potential health issues will be identified for those engaging in alcohol abuse by binge drinking and they will be given advice on reducing their intake.

Currently in the pilot stage, nine police force areas will be trialling the new technique, including Lincolnshire, Bristol, Cumbria and Northamptonshire.

Alan Campbell, the Home Office minister, claims the vast majority of people are sensible when it comes to having a drink but a number "cause trouble".

"The alcohol arrest referral sessions are not an easy option. They aim to cut re-offending and so make our towns and city centres more pleasant places by making offenders realise their mistakes," he states.

Referrals will occur when officers in the custody suite decide alcohol abuse contributed to the crime and a specialist will offer information the offender could find useful.

According to a report issued by the Select Committee on Home Affairs, alcohol-related incidents cost the UK police force £7.3 billion last year.

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