11th March 2026
A new council scrutiny report examining alcohol use and the effectiveness of treatment services in Stockport will be considered by senior councillors next week.
The Scrutiny Review Final Report – Alcohol Use: The Effectiveness of Treatment will be discussed at the Stockport Council Cabinet meeting on 17 March, following a detailed investigation by councillors into how well local services help residents struggling with alcohol dependency.
A Significant Health Issue
Alcohol misuse remains a major public health challenge both nationally and locally. In Stockport alone, around 140 deaths a year are linked to alcohol, with alcohol-related mortality rates higher than the national average.
The report notes that alcohol harm affects communities in many ways beyond health, including pressure on hospitals, impacts on families, links to crime and violence, and risks during pregnancy.
Councillors undertaking the review looked at how prevention, treatment and recovery services operate across the borough and whether they are meeting the needs of residents.
Focus on Treatment and Recovery
The review examined the range of services available for people experiencing alcohol dependency, including specialist treatment programmes and recovery support.
Stockport’s drug and alcohol services already work with residents and families to reduce substance-related harm and help individuals recover from addiction. Previous inspections have praised local services for compassionate care and recovery-focused support.
However, the scrutiny panel also explored whether more could be done to strengthen early intervention and ensure people receive help before problems escalate.
Prevention and Early Support
One of the key themes highlighted in the review is prevention.
Local health partners are already developing strategies to tackle alcohol-related harm through primary prevention (reducing harmful drinking), early intervention, and treatment for people with serious dependency issues.
Councillors say improving awareness, better screening in health services, and stronger links between hospitals, GPs and community support organisations could help identify people at risk earlier.
Supporting Families and Communities
Alcohol misuse does not only affect individuals. The report highlights the wider impact on families and children, with support services sometimes working with entire households affected by addiction.
Councillors also explored how recovery programmes can help people rebuild their lives through employment support, community networks and long-term recovery pathways.
Next Steps
The Cabinet will consider the scrutiny panel’s findings and recommendations when it meets on 17 March.
If adopted, the recommendations could influence future commissioning of treatment services and shape how the council works with NHS partners, charities and community groups to tackle alcohol-related harm.
For residents across the borough – including communities like Romiley – the review aims to ensure that people struggling with alcohol dependency can access effective help and support before the consequences become more serious.
