Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Department contests preventative measures while experts cite clear evidence for action
Conclusion
On discussing the merits of preventative measures, the Department told us that what works and does not work on alcohol was very well researched but that the right approach for some areas was highly contested. By way of example, it referenced alcohol pricing and the introduction of minimum unit pricing in Scotland, commenting that the results were 7 HM government departments, From harm to hope: A 10-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives, 6 December 2021 8 C&AG’s Report, para 2.17 9 C&AG’s Report, paras 1.6 & 1.8, Figure 2 & 4 10 Q 2 11 C&AG’s Report, para 2.3 12 Qq 29–32; HM government departments, From harm to hope: A 10-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives, 6 December 2021 A 10-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives 13 Qq 1, 3 14 Qq 1, 3, 6, 20–21, 102 15 Qq 1, 4, 6, 7, 20, 21, 102, 118 Alcohol treatment services 11 unclear.16 Ms Wiseman told us that in her view the evidence on what was needed was clear and Sir Ian commented that there was “international evidence that would break the benches here with its weight”. Both told us that tackling alcohol harm needed preventative action on price, availability, and promotion.17 Understanding the cost of harm
Government Response Summary
The government states it has already published a comprehensive assessment of effective strategies to tackle alcohol harm in England via the former Public Health England and continues to monitor the evidence base, including outputs from Scotland's alcohol strategy.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
1.6 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 1.7 The government has already published a comprehensive assessment of effective and cost-effective strategies to tackle alcohol harm in England through the former Public Health England. This included a review of the evidence on the public health burden of alcohol in England and policy responses to reduce health, social, and economic alcohol harm. 1.8 The department continues to monitor the evidence base, including outputs from Public Health Scotland’s Monitoring and Evaluating Scotland's Alcohol Strategy (MESAS) programme.