Appalling level of drug dependency in children - Vann

Over 11,000 children in England under-16 were being treated for alcohol and drug dependency in the last year according to figures highlighted by the Liberal Democrats.

The information contained in a Parliamentary answer showed that last year in children there were 6,075 being treated for cannabis dependency, 4,005 children under-16 being treated for alcohol dependency, and 93 children under-16 being treated for heroin dependency.

The figures also show that 102 children under-12 are being treated for cannabis dependency, 57 for alcohol dependency, and 10 for heroin addiction.

The Department of Health annual report included figures from a survey suggesting that one in four 16-17 year olds drink alcohol "for something to do".

Henry Vann, local parliamentary campaigner for the Liberal Democrats, who highlighted high admission rates into hospital for younger people earlier in the year said: "This is shocking news."

Henry added: "To hear that so many children are currently undergoing treatment for drink and drug problems is deeply concerning and action is needed now."

"The Labour government is letting young people down right across Bedfordshire, and government policies, in a misguided arms race with the Conservatives, have failed to tackle the problem."

"The Liberal Democrats would increase funding to drug treatment programmes, including organisations like 'Frank,' which offers confidential advice and information about the dangers of drug use to young people whilst putting more police on the streets to tackle serious drug-related crime."