CUTS to services combating alcohol-related harm must be reversed and ring-fenced in this week’s Scottish budget, according to medics.

Funding for the services has seen an 8 per cent cut since 2014-15, despite evidence that harms grew during the Covid-19 pandemic as drinking in regulated premises gave way to greater unregulated consumption of alcohol at home.

Now, ahead of the SNP Scottish government’s budget announcement tomorrow, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) has called for the cash to be not only restored but ring-fenced.

SHAAP chairman Dr Peter Rice warned that there was “considerable unmet need for structured alcohol services.”

He added: “Much of the health service response to harm from alcohol is unplanned, with emergency admissions to acute hospitals.

“There is a need for alcohol-care teams to be established in all major hospitals to offer planned follow-up to improve outcomes.

“This Budget is also an opportunity for the Scottish government to introduce a social-responsibility levy on alcohol retailers, many of whom are likely to have accrued additional profits from minimum-unit pricing.

“This would raise much-needed funds for alcohol services.”

The Scottish government was contacted for comment.