Still no decision on fluoridation in Southampton
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- Published: Thursday, 16 October 2014 08:19
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A director for Public Health England (PHE) has said the adding of fluoride to the public water supply is now in the hands of local authorities. Dr Graham Bickler was responding to a question from Hampshire County Council leader Roy Perry about fluoridation plans. PHE said: “No decision has yet been taken and PHE is committed to working constructively with both local authorities.”
Dr Bickler told the South East Strategic Leaders meeting in London he would seek clarification specifically on Hampshire's situation. NHS chiefs agreed in 2009 to fluoridate water supplies in the Southampton area. After an unsuccessful High Court challenge in 2011 and the abolition of the Strategic Health Authority, which was replaced by PHE in 2013, the plans are still to be implemented.
Following the takeover, PHE said it was committed to starting fluoridation in 2014, but in a new statement it said: “PHE continues to give full and careful consideration to all the relevant factors relating to water fluoridation in Southampton and South West Hampshire. No decision has yet been taken and PHE is committed to working constructively with both local authorities. Southampton City and Hampshire County councils have a central role in any progress with the scheme and Public Health England is engaged in discussions with both.”
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