Fluoridation Review

Southampton City Primary Care Trust (PCT) has proposed that the South Central Strategic Health Authority (SHA) consider adding fluoride to drinking water in certain areas of Southampton in order to address dental health inequality in the city. The proposed scheme would involve certain water treatment plants adding fluoride to the water they supply to residents. As the treatment plants in question serve parts of Eastleigh and Totton, and a small area of Test Valley, the proposed scheme affects some residents of the Hampshire County Council local authority area (please see key documents for further details of the area affected).  The SHA, in accordance with the Water Fluoridation (Consultation) Regulations 2005 will be consulting local people on this proposal and is required to consider the feedback received in coming to a view on whether to proceed.

The Hampshire Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC) has a duty to look at issues that affect the health of people living and working in Hampshire. In this capacity the Leader of the County Council has asked the HOSC to consider the fluoridation proposals and report back to the full County Council on 20 November 2008 so that this matter can be discussed. The views of the County Council will then be sent to the Strategic Health Authority.

The Review Group looking at this issue will ensure that the key documents, and the evidence received from key stakeholders and interest groups is made available to local people through this website. Additionally the HOSC will take an active interest in the way in which the SHA conducts the consultation and the information provided to local people to inform their views on this issue. Of particular interest to the HOSC will be the process through which the SHA takes account of the 'extent of support' and 'cogency of arguments advanced' in coming to a view, as required by the legislation.

It is important that local people, particularly those living in the areas that may be affected by this proposal, contribute to the SHA consultation process. The SHA is the organisation that is making the final decision and therefore has responsibility to collate and take account of all responses to the consultation. Any comments or views you have should therefore be sent to the SHA so that they can be properly logged and analysed. For further details of how you can engage with their consultation please follow this link to their website:

Strategic Health Authority Fluoridation Webpage