Children growing up with an alcoholic parent may be in line for more support following a debate at a meeting of B&NES Council.

Councillors agreed unanimously to a proposal to ensure that the Council recognises and addresses the particular needs of the children of alcoholics.

B&NES Labour Group’s spokesperson for Children and Young People, Cllr Liz Hardman (Labour, Paulton) said “Recent reports have highlighted the large number of children living with an alcohol dependent adult. As a country we are drinking more: twice as much today as in the 1960s. 24% of the adult population in B&NES is estimated to be drinking at a high risk level, with the number of adults aged 18-64 dependent on alcohol at a high of 6,854.

“For children living with an alcoholic parent, life can be very difficult. Nationally, one-in-three child deaths or serious injuries are linked to alcohol. Children living with alcohol-dependent parents report feeling socially isolated and are reluctant to seek help. They may have to take on caring responsibilities for the affected parent or younger siblings and this can negatively impact on school attendance and homework.

“These children need to be properly supported. That is why the Labour Group asked Council to support our motion in order that we can ensure that the needs of this group of children are recognised and addressed. We welcome the Council’s support for this and also for the agreement to put pressure on the Government to develop a national strategy for the children of alcoholics and to make sure that local support for these children is properly funded.”

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Shadow Health Secretary, who has spoken about his own experiences growing up with his alcoholic father, said: “Growing up with an alcoholic parent has a negative impact on the lives of children. They are more likely to suffer death or serious injury and they may experience feelings of shame, stigma and guilt. While we now have an increasing awareness of the effect of alcoholism on children, we need to do more to more to offer support to affected families.

“That is why I welcome this motion from Bath and North East Somerset Labour Group which will help to ensure that the right help is in place locally and that pressure is put on government to ensure that this support is properly funded.”