Agenda and minutes

Apologies had been received from Cllr Judy Kelly. Cllr Patricia Jackson substituted.

None.

It was confirmed that all items on the agenda were marked Part I and therefore were considered in public.

The minutes were agreed as an accurate record by the Committee

To Note:

The Committee noted the updated report.

To Note:

The Committee noted the consultation update.

The Chairman welcomed the External Officers to the Committee meeting and asked for witnesses to describe their experiences of working with casual Khat users and heavy Khat users.

Was Khat harmful if used on an occasional basis?

Officers said it was difficult to estimate the level of harm to occasional users of Khat, as it depended on their health prior to them using Khat and any underlying conditions they may have had. While Khat use had been linked to oral cancers it was difficult to estimate how many cases were caused by Khat alone. Khat use had a strong association with cigarette smoking, which in turn would be harmful to the user. Previous report findings had suggested a correlation between heart disease and heavy Khat use; however this was difficult to evidence without monitoring the health conditions of the user prior and post Khat using.

Officers informed the Committee that the dosage of Khat used by a casual user could not be accurately measured, as different batches of Khat contained a different level of potency. The level of active harmful ingredients in each batch would have to be measured to determine the dosage consumed. The potency also depended on the origin of the Khat: Khat imported from Ethiopia was not as potent as Kenyan Khat, which appeared to be the most potent.  The typical casual Khat user consumed one or two bunches once or twice a week, which equated to 250grams per week. This person would be employed during the week and consume Khat at the weekends.

The short term effects of Khat included loss of appetite, constipation, sleep deprivation, nightmares and sexual problems. Users could also become physiologically dependant on Khat depending on their mindset prior to using Khat.

Dangers that followed on from Khat use included driving whilst under the influence of the legal high, as Khat was a stimulant and affected the mindset of the user.

What were the usual surroundings in which Khat was consumed?

Officers said the casual Khat users would use in their own homes, in the houses of friends or at family celebrations. Heavy Khat users would congregate at Khat cafes called Mafreshis. Here users would gather together and chew Khat together whilst discussing current affairs, family issues and getting advice on various topics from each other. Those who chewed Khat in a Mafresh were usually employed and would convene there for long periods of time.

Casual users usually were in employment and chewed Khat on a weekly basis to help unwind and relax whilst in the vicinity of their home. There users did not see Khat as a harmful substance and had been using it for a most of their adult lives.

The social standings of Somali people had had a knock on effect on the numbers of people using Khat. Those from a lower social standing were more likely to use Khat on a regular basis. This would then keep them out of employment and in turn keep them using Khat.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To Note:

The Committee noted the Forward Plan.

To Note:

The Committee noted the Work Programme.