Initial public consultation launched on water fluoridation
11 April 2022
As previously reported, the Health and Care Bill, currently going through Parliament, sets out some changes to the water fluoridation legislation in England. If it becomes law, the Bill will allow the Secretary of State, instead of local authorities, to establish new water fluoridation schemes or to vary or terminate existing water fluoridation schemes in England. In the event that the Bill is passed, there will be a legal duty on the Secretary of State to undertake a formal public consultation before introducing any new water fluoridation schemes or before varying or terminating an existing scheme.
In order to inform that legislation, the Department of Health and Social Care has launched a public consultation seeking views on how it proposes to consult on future water fluoridation schemes. The consultation will run from 8 April to 3 June. The Association will be responding and responses are also welcomed from individuals and organisations. Once feedback is considered the Government will publish a response.