Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Second consultation opens August–September 2025, giving every Horsham resident a voice.
- Proposed council will cover currently *unparished* town-centre areas.
- Key decisions include ward boundaries, councillor numbers, and the council’s official name.
- A **75.5 % majority** already supports creating Horsham Town Council.
- Resident feedback will directly shape services, budgets and representation.
Table of contents
Background on Horsham Town Council
Following a comprehensive community governance review, Horsham is on the cusp of forming its own town council for the unparished town-centre wards. *Residents have long expressed a desire for governance that feels closer to home*, and this proposal seeks to answer that call.
With potential shifts toward a wider Unitary Authority on the horizon, a dedicated town council would act as a strong local advocate, ensuring Horsham’s voice is not lost in broader administrative changes.
Details of the Consultation Process
From August to September 2025, the second round of consultation will ask residents to comment on:
- The council’s official name
- Ward boundaries and titles
- How many councillors each ward should elect
A previous survey revealed that 75.5 % of respondents support the new council—a statistic that underscores strong community appetite for more localised representation.
Public Engagement and Participation
*Your opinion matters.* Whether you prefer digital methods or face-to-face discussion, there is a channel for you:
- Online surveys and portals
- Mailed questionnaires for those offline
- Public meetings in community halls
- Neighbourhood forums and social-media groups
In the words of one local resident, “This is our chance to shape Horsham’s destiny—let’s grab it with both hands.”
Council Responsibilities and Services
If approved, Horsham Town Council would manage and maintain:
- Recreational spaces—parks, play areas and the historic bandstand
- Community facilities such as the museum, town halls and allotments
- Local events, memorials and cultural initiatives
Councillors will be tasked with *representing specific wards* and advocating for resources where they are most needed.
Financial Implications
Yes, a portion of council tax would be directed toward the new authority, funding:
- Administrative staff and day-to-day operations
- Maintenance of local amenities
- New community initiatives stemming from resident input
Transparency is central: budgets will be published annually, and spending priorities will be guided by ongoing community feedback.
Geographical Boundaries and Representation
The consultation will refine how Horsham’s town-centre neighbourhoods are divided into wards. Balanced representation means:
- Each councillor serving roughly the same number of residents
- Neighbourhood identities respected within ward names
- Equitable distribution of services across all areas
Benefits of the New Council
Residents stand to gain:
- Greater *accountability* in local decision-making
- Services tailored to Horsham’s unique needs
- A focused voice when liaising with county and (potential) unitary authorities
Call to Action
The consultation deadline is *end of September 2025*. Here’s how to have your say:
- Visit council offices or the town website for information packs
- Attend public meetings to ask questions
- Complete the survey—online or by post
- Join community groups discussing the proposals
Conclusion
Horsham’s forthcoming consultation offers a rare opportunity to *reshape local governance*. By speaking up now, residents will directly influence how services are delivered, how funds are spent and how their neighbourhoods are represented for years to come. **Don’t leave it to others—add your voice, and help steer Horsham’s future.**
FAQs
Will my council tax rise significantly?
A modest precept will fund the town council. Detailed figures will be published during consultation so residents can weigh costs against benefits.
Who can take part in the consultation?
Anyone living within Horsham’s unparished town-centre areas—including renters and homeowners—can submit feedback.
What happens after the consultation closes?
West Sussex County Council will analyse responses, draft final recommendations and, if approved, set an election date for the first Horsham Town Council.
Could the new council be merged into a Unitary Authority later?
Even within a wider Unitary model, a parish-level town council would still exist to champion Horsham’s local interests and manage community assets.
How many councillors will there be?
The consultation proposes options ranging from 12 to 18 councillors, ensuring each ward has fair representation. Final numbers will depend on resident feedback.