Commissioner helps lead national efforts to tackle alcohol misuse

Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Graham Bright is at the forefront of a national plan to tackle alcohol misuse, it can be revealed today (Tuesday, November 18).

Sir Graham is among a select group of PCCs from across the UK to have drawn up a strategy which aims to deliver greater enforcement, stronger partnership working and increase opportunities for preventative work to address unhealthy attitudes about alcohol and drinking.

The plan was launched at today’s Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s (APCC) Partnership Summit, which brings together PCCs from across the country to discuss how they can implement a more effective and efficient response to the challenges alcohol misuse brings to modern policing.

Alcohol-related crime in England is estimated to cost £11bn and place huge pressure on emergency service resources and the Police.

The new strategy discusses how Commissioners can work collectively with their national colleagues as well as locally with their Chief Constables to reduce both the harm and cost to society of alcohol-related crime. This includes deterrent work, tackling irresponsible supply and changing attitudes in society.

As part of the APCC’s Alcohol Working Group, commissioners are keen to work with partners such as local authorities, the third sector, Public Health England and businesses to tackle issues shared by all communities.

Commenting on the new plan, Sir Graham said: “Independently, PCCs are all undertaking significant work to reduce the impact alcohol harm has on crime, the health service, the economy and the wellbeing of individuals and families. It makes sense for those of us who are spearheading pioneering reform locally to share this knowledge and insight with our colleagues nationally for the wider benefit of the public.

“By channelling resources and expertise towards solving some of the issues that lead to alcohol misuse, we will hopefully begin to unravel negative patterns of behaviour and lighten the workload on ourselves and our local authority/health partners.

“Together, we will deliver a stronger national voice to promote change and reduce the financial burden on our public services.”

All signatory PCCs of the Plan agree to work together as a cross party group to champion and drive forward action on alcohol-related crime:

• Campaigning nationally and locally for improvements to the legislative framework
• Raising awareness and educating drinkers to drive cultural change and reduce levels of harmful behaviour
• Working in partnership with policing, health, third sector and industry partners to deliver a joined up and effective response
• Helping to build the evidence base on alcohol related crime and harm

Notes for editors

Police and Crime Commissioner members of the Alcohol Working Group are:

• Tony Hogg (Devon and Cornwall – Chair)
• Martyn Underhill (Dorset)
• Vera Baird (Northumbria)
• Alan Hardwick (Lincs)
• Matthew Grove (Humberside)
• Sir Graham Bright (Cambridgeshire)
• John Dwyer (Cheshire)
• Martin Surl (Gloucestershire)
• Stephen Bett (Norfolk)