In a proposal put forward by Rutland County Councillors is calling for fluoride to be added back into the drinking water to combat the county's growing dental issues and mass lack of access to NHS dentists. 

The proposal, which was put forward by Cllr Abigail West and Cllr Mark Chatfield on 21st November, was voted on by the full council and agreed to go forward with the motion. 

This has been met with mass concern and outrage by local people, with many upset by the lack of public consultation and concerned about the potential health impacts of fluoridisation. 

It is important to note that there is an extremely lengthy process the council must follow in order for water fluoridation to be implemented, including public consultations, intensive research and approval from multiple government officials. 

According to Rutland County Council, "the process of achieving water fluoridation is now as follows: 

• Local approval and creation of a comprehensive evidence pack, submitted to the Secretary of State, 
• Decision by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to consider the new scheme, 
• A Feasibility study conducted by water companies (Anglican Water and Severn Trent),  
• Public consultation, 
• Funding agreement and Secretary of State decision is required to proceed, 
• Detailed engineering plans to be created and planning permission to be obtained, 
• Drafting of legal agreements, 
• Building of new infrastructure, 
• Switch on of new system." 

The extensive process that Rutland County Council must follow demonstrates that there will be an exhaustive research and consultation phase across multiple bodies and organisations, meaning it is not a snap decision that the council can make and immediately implement. 

Water Fluoridation will be discussed at the Rutland Health Scrutiny meeting later today (27 November)