Written question asked by Lord Markham (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Monday, 16 February 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Water Supply: Fluoride

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government, following the publication of the white paper A New Vision for Water, on 20 January, what plans they have to expand community water fluoridation to improve oral health outcomes in England.

Answer: A New Vision for Water sets out that public health will be considered in new water frameworks and regulations. This will support delivery of shared outcomes, like those in the 10-Year Health Plan, which commits to assessing the further rollout of water fluoridation in areas where oral health outcomes are worst. We will also expand community water fluoridation in the north east of England from 2028 so that it reaches 1.6 million more people by April 2030. We will also refurbish older, existing water fluoridation schemes in England, benefitting a further six million people by 2030.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL14539
Session: 2024-26
Related items: A New Vision for Water
Tuesday, 20 January 2026
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords; Fluoride: Water Supply
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Written questions
House of Lords; Fluoride: Water Supply
Tuesday, 10 March 2026
Written questions
House of Lords; Fluoride: Water Supply
Monday, 16 March 2026
Written questions
House of Lords; Fluoride: Water Supply
Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Fluoride Water supply
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk