Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services, Durham County Council.

The Board received a Joint report of the Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services and the Director of Public Health in relation to Reducing Alcohol Related Harm in County Durham (for copy see file of minutes).

The Director of Public Health noted the next update report to the Board, would be aligned to the new strategy, to include cases studies.  She added there had been changes at the partnership level, now under a new ‘Combating Drugs and Alcohol Partnership’, which would feed into the Health and Wellbeing Board and Safe Durham Partnership (SDP).  It was explained that the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Joy Allen had chaired the drugs partnership and the addition of alcohol was very important.  It was noted the Board focussed on alcohol at a population level, with the SDP looking at treatment, crime and the supply of drugs. 

The Director of Public Health noted that there was a high level of alcohol use in the North East and in County Durham, and reminded the Board of the work of Balance.  She noted while the risks around alcohol were known, the impact of COVID-19 had impacted, with a rise in alcohol use, with levels in County Durham being higher than the regional and national levels. 

It was noted that mortality and hospitalisations were higher, as were cases of liver disease.  It was noted that alcohol misuse was still a taboo to an extent and the work of Balance with the alcohol industry was important.  The Director of Public Health noted the work in respect of alcohol harm reduction, including: ‘drink coaches’; work with children and young people ‘what’s the harm’; Balance and the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) ‘fuel to the fire’ in relation to the impact on NEAS service as a result of assaults on NEAS staff.  The Board were reminded of the work in terms of public health campaigns relating to alcohol, drink/drug spiking and the Drug and Alcohol Service (DAS), working with other appropriate partners and departments, such as Housing Services and Licensing

The Chair noted that feedback from Councillors and Partners was that the issue of alcohol was cross-cutting, and a lot of work was ongoing, in particular as regards town centres.

Councillor T Henderson asked if alcohol services addressed the needs of those who were under 18 years old and whether there were examples of support available in schools.  The Director of Public Health noted that Balance worked with parents and noted that the DAS had a dedicated section looking at children and young people affected by drinking within their family.  She noted that they also went into schools and there was a joint post with Durham University in relation to targeted work.  She added there was close work with Durham Constabulary.  She explained that some activities were funded by the alcohol industry, and those were looked at in terms of whether they represented advertising.

The Corporate Director of Adult and Health Services noted that the work of Balance was impactful, similar to that of Fresh, and noted Fresh had several cases studies that help to promote awareness of tobacco harms.  The Director of Public Health noted that the work in taking tobacco had been established longer and noted there would be relevant case studies as more people came forward and share their stories and she would feedback to Balance in this regard.

Councillor R Bell entered the meeting at 10.10am

Councillor R Bell recalled a presentation as regards alcohol harms, which had noted alcohol consumption in the Teesdale area.  He noted that there was often a ‘middle-aged, middle-class’ drinker that perhaps was consuming too much alcohol and asked if there was any evidence of areas where there were particular problems as it was difficult to target an audience if they are in effect a ‘quiet harm’.  The Director of Public Health noted all data was being updated and would be broken down geographically across County Durham.  She noted that this could show links to issues such as availability and low-cost alcohol, such issues being exacerbated by other issues such as poverty. 

She noted additional information could be provided at the next update.  Councillor R Bell noted that many people underestimate how much they are drinking and will give their doctor the answer they think they think their doctor wants.  The Director of Public Health noted that even where people are not self-reporting, there is evidence in terms of alcohol admissions to hospital and alcohol related diseases.

The Chair noted the shift from drinking in pubs to purchasing alcohol at off-licences and drinking at home, noting the impact on health linking to the Board and in terms of crime and anti-social behaviour linking with the SDP.  The Director of Public Health noted that there were operational groups in terms of both of those areas and they were coordinated, using the best channels as necessary.  She noted the SDP looked at where Police powers could be used, looking at where alcohol was being supplied for example and added that had Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) been introduced in England, this could have had an impact in tackling alcohol related harm.

Resolved:

(i)        The content of the report and progress made during 2022/23 to reduce the harms from alcohol within our communities be noted.

(ii)       That the Board maintain their support of the new Combating Drugs and Alcohol Partnership Strategic and Operational Boards and help to increase multi-agency working to support the delivery of all planned objectives, making alcohol harm reduction everybody’s business. 

(iii)     That the Board support the need for Balance to follow in similar footsteps to Fresh and be funded by all 12 Local Authorities in the North East to ensure that there is an ongoing media presence available to address the needs of the population across the North East.