Water fluoridation ‘will not happen’

Critics firm despite poor dental health

plans to add fluoride to the water supply of more than 340,000 people in Hull and the East Riding to address some of the worst rates of tooth decay nationally “will not happen”, according to a councillor.

The proposals had the backing of former Health Secretary and Hull MP Alan Johnson and the British Dental Association.

PLANS TO add fluoride to the water supply of more than 340,000 people in Hull and the East Riding to address some of the worst rates of tooth decay nationally “will not happen”, according to a councillor.

The proposals – which had the backing of former Health Secretary and Hull MP Alan Johnson and the British Dental Association – were mooted three years ago. It was championed as the best way of tackling poor dental health by Hull Council’s former chairman of the health and wellbeing board, Coun Colin Inglis, who retired this year, but was opposed by campaigners, the Liberal Democrat opposition and some Labour councillors.

Yorkshire Water is carrying out a £68,000 feasibility study, but cabinet member Phil Webster said he would not countenance the spending of “one more penny on this foolhardy scheme” and there was “no appetite for it”.

He said it was “too expensive, undemocratic and unproven”, and adding: “I’ve always said I think it is forced medication by the State.

“To quote Monty Python the scheme is no more.

“I am in charge of finance and I can confidently say it won’t be happening.”

New health and wellbeing chairwoman Coun Hester Bridges said fluoridation was “unlikely” given the lack of “overwhelming” evidence and “massive” opposition.

Hull Council also has to get East Riding Council to agree, as 87,000 residents would also get added fluoride.

She said: “If there was a groundswell of people demanding fluoride I think we would be giving it more consideration – but there isn’t.

“People are saying very clearly they want (to make) that choice.”

Public health portfolio holder Coun Gwen Lunn said the council was waiting for details from Yorkshire Water, regarding technical specification and costs. A report would then go to the cabinet.

The scheme was part of a plan including increasing breastfeeding rates and encouraging regular tooth brushing with a fluoridebased toothpaste.

About 5.8m people in England get fluoridated water – 1mg per litre – which is a level found to reduce tooth decay.