A vital tool to tackle alcohol addiction

A committee of MSPs has backed the increase to the minimum unit price of alcohol, a change which will see the floor rise from 50p to 65p from September 30.

“From some findings in the Public Health Scotland (PHS) evaluation, it was clear that some people who were alcohol dependent had experienced additional challenges linked to the price of alcohol increasing,” said alcohol and drug minister Christina McKelvie.

“I know that specialist support and treatment is vital for these people.”

The Scottish Government has provided a “record” funding settlement for alcohol and drug partnerships (ADPs) across the country of £112 million, she said, adding that ministers expect the money to be spent on addiction services.

“I’m absolutely clear that the budget we have provided for ADPs this year gets spent on ADPs,” Ms McKelvie said.

“My direction, I think if I have to go that far, will be that that money is spent on ADPs and the work that they have to do, including the very detailed work they do with dependent drinkers.”

Dr Alastair MacGilchrist, chairman of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, welcomed the news, saying MUP has “been shown to save lives”.

“The debate has often become heated, but the overwhelming consensus is that MUP is a vital tool to tackle the harms and deaths caused by alcohol in Scotland on a daily basis,” he added.

“I am delighted that the Health Committee has listened to the evidence and made clear its view, and encourage MSPs of all parties to act on this when the vote in the Scottish Parliament takes place in the coming weeks.”