What steps is the Welsh Government taking to address the increase in alcohol-related hospital admissions in people with alcohol dependency during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We currently invest almost £55m in our substance misuse agenda (2021-22), of which over £25m goes to our Area Planning Boards through our Substance Misuse Action Fund. In recognition of the need to continue to tackle this agenda in 2022-23, as part of the recently approved Budget, these allocations will increase by £6m from £25m to £31m.
We have worked, and will continue to work, closely with Area Planning Boards and substance misuse services throughout the pandemic. Commissioners and services adapted rapidly to digital delivery and for those service users who were most at risk, outreach support was maintained. The DAN 24/7 drug and alcohol helpline has played a vital role in supporting people during this period and it will continue to do so. We invest in Residential Rehabilitation and have increased this ring fenced budget by an additional £1m for 2022-23.
Alongside our support for the substance misuse services our legislation on Minimum Unit Pricing for Alcohol (MUP) is in place. Evidence shows that introducing an MUP for alcohol will make an important contribution in tackling the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The intended effect of this legislation is to tackle alcohol-related harm, including alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and alcohol-related deaths in Wales, by reducing alcohol consumption in hazardous and harmful drinkers.