The Public Audit Committee looks at reports published by the Auditor General for Scotland to examine whether public money is being spent efficiently and effectively.

On 31 October 2024 the Auditor General for Scotland and Accounts Commission published Alcohol and drug services.

The report says "The number of people dying in Scotland because of alcohol or drug use remains high compared with other parts of the UK and Europe. This is despite improved national leadership and increased investment in alcohol and drug services. The Scottish Government has made progress in addressing our previous recommendations for drug and alcohol services, increasing residential rehabilitation capacity and implementing treatment standards. However, progress in putting some key national strategies into practice, such as implementing a workforce plan and alcohol marketing reform, has been slow".

Read the report on Audit Scotland's website