Warning that cuts in services will force problem-drinkers onto the streets

Alcohol Concern will today issue a stark warning to ministers that cuts to residential services for alcohol misusers could force problem-drinkers onto the streets.

Leading charity, Alcohol Concern, will today write to ministers for health and housing to outline their concerns that proposed cuts to residential services for substance misusers will lead to further homelessness, relapse and criminal behaviour.

A snap survey by the charity has found that at least 20 residential projects supporting those with alcohol problems currently funded, in part, by the government’s Supporting People initiative, expect to lose a significant chunk of their funding in April as a result of local Supporting People spending reviews. Alcohol Concern has already received reports from many working in residential services who say that their only option will be to close from April.

Don Shenker, Alcohol Concern’s Director of Policy and Services said:

“We are extremely worried to hear that many help-giving services across the country could be forced to close due to lack of funds. They provide a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and any closure of, or reduction in, provision of residential services for problem-drinkers will no doubt force many onto the streets.”

The charity pointed out that around half of those people who sleep rough are thought to be dependent on alcohol, and that of those people who require treatment for a drink problem, only 1 in 18 get the help they need.

Mr Shenker added:

“There is already a devastating gap in provision of treatment services for problem-drinkers, and the closure of residential services for those who are most vulnerable will make a dire situation worse. We are calling on the government and local decision makers to act urgently to fill the gap that the withdrawal of Supporting People funding will create in this critical area.”

Alcohol Concern