Scrutiny Programme Board at its meeting on 5 January, 2011 (minute 44 refers) referred this report to this Committee for consideration.

Councillor Bridson introduced the report on the Alcohol Scrutiny Review which had been referred by the Scrutiny Programme Board on 5 January, 2011 (minute 44 refers) to a number of Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

The review had been managed by the Scrutiny Programme Board due to the cross-cutting nature of the topic and the impact on a number of areas such as health, young people, anti-social behaviour / community safety, trading standards and licensing.

The Panel of 4 Members, chaired by Councillor Dave Mitchell together with Councillors Sue Taylor, Chris Meaden and Ann Bridson had focussed its review on “access to alcohol by young people in Wirral” due to the high profile and significance of excessive drinking among young people. 

The report gave details of the main issues for review which had been identified in the scope document. The Panel had used a number of methods to gather evidence for the review, including meetings with key officers, visits to local communities accompanied by Youth Outreach Workers and written evidence. The final report contained eleven recommendations, which had been presented to Cabinet on 17 March.

Councillor Bridson commented that it was important to keep up the interventions through schools and outreach work.

The Vice-Chair thanked the Review Panel for their excellent work on the subject.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

Scrutiny Programme Board at its meeting on 5 January, 2011 (minute 44 refers) referred this report to a number of Committees, including this one, for consideration.

(Councillor P Hayes, having declared a prejudicial interest (see minute 52 ante) left the meeting whilst this item was considered.)

The Chair introduced and commended the report on the Alcohol Scrutiny Review which had been referred by the Scrutiny Programme Board on 5 January, 2011 (minute 44 refers) to a number of Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

The review had been managed by the Scrutiny Programme Board due to the cross-cutting nature of the topic and the impact on a number of areas such as health, young people, anti-social behaviour / community safety, trading standards and licensing.

The Panel of 4 Members, chaired by Councillor Dave Mitchell together with Councillors Sue Taylor, Chris Meaden and Ann Bridson had focussed its review on “access to alcohol by young people in Wirral” due to the high profile and significance of excessive drinking among young people. 

The report gave details of the main issues for review which had been identified in the scope document. The Panel had used a number of methods to gather evidence for the review, including meetings with key officers, visits to local communities accompanied by Youth Outreach Workers and written evidence. The final report contained eleven recommendations, which would be presented to Cabinet on 17 March.

Members of the Committee welcomed the report giving their own personal insight into some of the issues raised. The need for multi-agency partnership working involving young people was acknowledged and the need to change the attitudes of some adults. The Interim Director welcomed the reference in the report to the outreach work being undertaken by his department.

Resolved – That the report be noted.