Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to reduce annual societal cost associated with alcohol-related crime and disorder.

The Licensing Act 2003 provides the legal framework for the sale and supply of alcohol in England and Wales. The primary purpose of the Act is to ensure the four statutory licensing objectives are upheld: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm. As such, the Act plays a vital role in reducing alcohol related crime and disorder.

Alongside this, police forces are delivering the commitments contained in the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. Every force across England and Wales has now published an anti-social behaviour plan and has a named and contactable ASB lead dedicated to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour locally. Forces have also increased patrols in town centres and other key locations based on local demand and intelligence.

The Government recognises the significant harm that alcohol use can cause to individuals, families and communities and the impact this can have on crime and disorder. Addressing this is a key priority for this Government and ‘Fit for the Future: 10 Year Health Plan for England’ commits to some crucial steps to support people to make healthier choices about alcohol. From 2026, all drug and alcohol prevention, treatment and recovery funding will be channelled through the Public Health Grant, with over £13.45 billion allocated across three years, including £3.4 billion ringfenced for drug and alcohol prevention, treatment and recovery. This is the first multi-year settlement in over a decade and provides local government with greater certainty to plan and invest over the medium term.