Question reference: S6W-26218
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 18 March 2024
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Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 15 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what action it has taken to address alcohol harm since it was cited in the 2022-23 Scottish Budget as a public health emergency.
Answer
The Scottish Government continues to take whole population and targeted approaches to tackle alcohol-related harms. We have laid legislation seeking the agreement of Parliament to continue Minimum Unit Pricing, and set the price per unit at 65 pence. Members of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee voted to approve those orders on 26 March 2024 and I am pleased that there is cross party support for this policy.
We will continue to engage with all stakeholders, including public health organisations and the alcohol industry, around potential restrictions to alcohol marketing. This will take the form of targeted engagement, with the aim of consulting on a more specific set of proposals later this year.
We have asked Public Health Scotland to investigate the reasons behind the apparent 40% reduction in the number of people accessing specialist alcohol treatment.
We are working with stakeholders to develop a National Service Specification, informed by the forthcoming UK alcohol treatment clinical guidelines. They will aim to provide clarity on the types of treatment and recovery services available.