Government must stand firm on laws to tackle binge drinking

NORTH West region-wide wellbeing and health campaign group Our Life has expressed concern at reports that the government is considering delaying new laws to tackle the rising unhealthy drinking culture in the UK.  Reports in the Times newspaper suggest that “measures to curb binge drinking top a list of regulations to be shelved” as the government looks to curtail parts of its legislative programme in the face of the current economic downturn. Our Life has reacted angrily to reports that the government’s proposed mandatory code of practice for alcohol retailers might be delayed until after 2011 as part of a “clear out” of anti-business measures believed to have been ordered by the business secretary Lord Mandelson.  Our Life head of corporate affairs Andy Walker said:- “The government must stand firmly by its pledges to tackle binge drinking and alcohol harm. Such measures are hugely popular with the public. Only last month 72% of respondents to an Our Life poll called on the government to ban activities such as all-you-can-drink offers and other irresponsible and excessive drinks promotions such as dispensing alcohol directly into customers’ mouths.  The cost and stress caused to people across the North West by alcohol promotions that result in excessive consumption has gone too far and people want action. The promotion of excessive drinking leads to enormous personal distress for families blighted by alcohol harm and is a massive cash burden on policing and the health service. The estimated cost of alcohol-related and alcohol-specific crime in England is £12 billion and the cost to the NHS in the North West region alone is more than £400 million.  “We cannot afford to wait on this until 2011. Instead of listening to the vested interests of the alcohol retailers who would rather the government did nothing, ministers should take note of the views of thousands of people across the North West who want to see effective measures to address alcohol harm and implement a strong code of practice for alcohol retailers as soon as possible.”

Students have the ‘write’ stuff!

6TH form students in Liverpool are going back to school in style – with 3/4 of a million pounds worth of free stationery!  The city council is giving every 6th former a whopping £60 worth of the latest learning materials such as memory sticks, calculators and lever arch files. The ground breaking scheme is benefiting around 12,000 pupils aged 16-18 and is designed to help cash-strapped parents through the recession.  It is part of the 'Stay on in Liverpool' initiative and is aimed at making sure the academic year gets off to a flying start for Year 12 and Year 13 students.  The stationery packs have now been delivered to schools across the city and students at Archbishop Blanch School, L7, will be among the first to get their hands on the free kit, which is being handed over by council leader, Councillor Warren Bradley.  He said:- "It’s crucial for Liverpool’s future that we have highly skilled and well qualified young people. We have to make sure they have the equipment they need for school and that the cost of learning materials does not discourage them from continuing their studies.  This scheme will provide our sixth formers with a real boost. It’s about us making sure no student is held back at school and that everyone is given the opportunity to reach their full potential.  Tough economic times can really impact on students – at the very time when it’s more important than ever that they complete their studies and get the skills they need. This pack will help them on their way in this important stage of their education."  The council has spent £30 on stationery for every 6th form student pupil – but thanks to a specially negotiated deal with top stationery firm Office Depot, has been able to cram each pack with £60 worth of equipment.  The council consulted with teachers and 6th form students before deciding what kit should go into the stationery packs.  Hundreds of young people in care will also receive a pack as part of the scheme.  Councillor Keith Turner, executive member for education, said:- "We know every single penny counts for families and we don’t want young people and parents having to worry about finding the cash for essential school equipment.  These stationery packs are a great way of congratulating our sixth form students for choosing to continue their education and showing that we are supporting them at every step of the way."  The packs include information about how students can order further school equipment from Office Depot at discounted rates, negotiated by the council with Office Depot.  Students are also given information about the website, a valuable source of information about careers and opportunities as well health and finance.