The privatised water industry and public health: back to square one.

No real progress has taken place in implementing new water fluoridation schemes within the UK since the ownership of most water companies passed into the private sector. A recent High Court judgement has confirmed that English water companies have absolute and unfettered discretion in deciding not to proceed with any new fluoridation schemes. Current legislation must be changed if this important public health measure is to be extended to benefit a greater number of people.