Published: Thursday 04th August 2016 | 1.38pm
Staffordshire County Council has a deficit in their adult care budget of £15m in this financial year due to the lack of agreement between the County and the NHS over the level of financial contributions to the Better Care Fund (BCF).
BAC O’Connor, One Recovery and The Edward Myers Unit are the key providers of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services for Staffordshire.
The Staffordshire County Council proposed reduction to the Drug and Alcohol budget is by more than 50%.
Services users, family members, politicians, celebrity supporters such as Russell Brand and Mitch Winehouse and members from across Communities in Staffordshire are coming together to fight these proposals.
It is hoped that once the implications for service users and communities across Staffordshire are understood, the Council will reconsider and work with partners to ensure the needs of local individuals, families and communities are met.
The consequences will be far reaching for individuals, families and communities, the work undertaken by drug and alcohol agencies reduces crime, pressure on our already stretched A&E and hospitals, to name a few but most importantly it saves lives and re-builds families.
As a result BAC O’Connor have started a petition in Staffordshire and want enough signatures to get the issue debated in Parliament as to why the ring fence came off drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation budgets.
Cllr George Adamson said “I am very concerned about the proposals to make significant funding reductions in drug and alcohol services across Staffordshire and would urge residents to sign the petition co-ordinated by the Burton Addiction Centre and to write to Cllr Alan White at Staffordshire County Council if you share these concerns. This District has some of the highest needs in Staffordshire for drug and alcohol services”.
Cannock Chase residents are encouraged to sign the petition either online or in person at Cannock Street Market on Friday 12th August where BAC O’Connor will have a stall promoting Langans Tea Rooms Cannock and the petition.
The petition has now closed
ENDS
For more information contact
Kerry Wright
Partnerships & Communications Manager
Tel: 01543 464368
Email: kerrywright@cannockchasedc.gov.uk