Commenting on James Purnell’s statement earlier this week that benefits allowance for people with alcohol dependency may be deducted unless they seek treatment or work, Don Shenker, CEO of Alcohol Concern said:
“People with alcohol dependency issues require financial stability to seek, undergo and move away from treatment. Any threat that welfare benefits will be cut simply add to the risk of relapse. In addition, requiring someone to undergo treatment requires that treatment services are available – the latest research shows only 1 in 18 alcohol dependents are able to access treatment, making these plans potentially unworkable. While the Secretary of State is right to want to support alcohol dependents into treatment, making welfare benefits conditional on treatment or work is misguided.”
Alcohol Concern