Decision details

That Cabinet approve the new Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Strategy for the city as set out in appendix 1 to this report.

Given the significant nature of the strategy, which affects the whole city and all residents, Cabinet approval of the strategy is essential for the strategy to be adopted.

1.  Not having a city-wide strategy to tackle tobacco, alcohol and drugs in Southampton risks the safety and wellbeing of those affected in the city, as well as the wider impacts of these issues on the city and its workers and residents.  Not having a strategy would also mean we would not meet our statutory requirement to have strategies in place for both drugs and alcohol or meet our commitment as signatories to the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control to have a tobacco control strategy.

2.  When considering the timespan for this new combined strategy, given that tobacco, alcohol and drugs are complex challenges, a 5-year strategy has been chosen so that we have time to build on what we are already doing well, carry out further research, establish new ways of working and make a difference. This is longer than the previous drug and alcohol strategies, which were both 3-year strategies, and will bring the strategy refresh frequency in line with those such as the Health & Wellbeing Strategy and the Southampton City Strategy. The new Tobacco, Alcohol & Drug Strategy is therefore a 5-year strategy (2023 – 2028), with outcomes reviewed at least annually.