Southampton: Water Fluoridation Plans Dropped

28 October 2014, 13:25 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Long-running and controversial plans to add fluoride to tap water in the Southampton area have been scrapped.

Health bosses wanted to fluoridate water to help reduce tooth decay in children but there was strong opposition over wider health and environmental worries.

Public Health England (PHE) says it doesn't want to go ahead without the backing of the city and county councils. A PHE statement said:

'The proposed water fluoridation scheme would have served around 160,000 Southampton residents and a further 35,000 people in neighbouring parts of south-west Hampshire.

'PHE endorses the efficacy and safety of water fluoridation in reducing children’s tooth decay but does not wish to proceed without the backing of Southampton City Council, the local authority where most of those who would benefit from fluoridation live. Both Hampshire County Council and Southampton City Council oppose the scheme.'

PHE chief executive Duncan Selbie explained:

"Water fluoridation would make a big difference to the dental health of Southampton children, particularly those in the most socially deprived areas. We regret having to drop the scheme, but we believe it is the right decision in the circumstances.

"We want to work with Southampton City Council to tackle Southampton’s high rates of tooth decay. We have offered support to the Council in coming up with plans to reduce tooth decay among local children."

John Denham, the Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, said:
 
“I welcome this decision. While I always recognised the health arguments in favour of fluoridation I consistently said that it could not go ahead without the clear consent of local people. The NHS has failed to persuade people and it is right that the scheme is dropped.”