Agenda item

The Members of the Joint Review Group, established by this Scrutiny Committee and Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, to examine Childhood Obesity, Dental Health Care and any associated Mental Health Links, submitted a report (previously circulated) requesting consideration of an interim recommendation in relation to any prospective water fluoridation scheme in Darlington.

The submitted report outlined the investigations of the Joint Review Group in relation to poor dental health outcomes in Darlington and the strong links between the highest obesity rates and the poorest dental health being most prevalent in the most deprived areas of the Borough.

It was also reported that dental decay was a significant public health problem in the North East and Darlington had levels of decay in children significantly higher than the average for England.

The Director of Public Health confirmed that the recommendation of the Joint Review Group was to carry out a technical appraisal only and not to make a decision on any potential water fluoridation scheme at this time.

RESOLVED – That this Scrutiny Committee supports the joint work underway to gather information required for consideration about any prospective water fluoridation scheme in Darlington and recommends to Cabinet that it agrees to carry out a technical appraisal for consideration of a water fluoridation scheme in Darlington and/or the Tees Valley.