Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- *Second consultation round* grants Horsham residents another *direct* say in forming a Town Council.
- 75.5% support in the first phase shows **strong local appetite** for more devolved decision-making.
- Current focus: ward boundaries, council size and the potential name of the new authority.
- Potential shift of services—parks, cemeteries, halls—could affect everyday life *and* council tax.
- Deadline for feedback is 30 September 2025; every submission helps shape Horsham’s democratic future.
Table of Contents
Background of the Consultation
Between May and June 2025, Horsham District Council conducted its first community governance review of the unparished town centre. An *impressive* 75.5 % of respondents backed the idea of creating a dedicated Town Council, revealing a community eager for **localised control**.
In the words of one early respondent, “Local decisions should be made by local people, for local people.” That sentiment paved the way for today’s second, more detailed consultation.
What the Second Consultation Covers
Running from 1 August to 30 September 2025, this phase drills down into the mechanics of any future Horsham Town Council. Residents are invited to comment on:
- The council’s *official* name
- How many councillors should represent the town
- Where ward boundaries should sit and why they matter
Research shows well-drawn wards boost accountability and service fairness. Horsham’s review aims to mirror that best practice.
How Residents Can Participate
Council officials emphasise there are *multiple* ways to have your say:
- Complete the online questionnaire on the District Council website
- Email or phone the Community Governance team directly
- Submit written comments via post if digital access is limited
“This consultation is a crucial step in ensuring that our local government truly represents the needs and wishes of Horsham residents,” says Councillor Jane Smith, Lead Member for Community Engagement. “We urge everyone to take part and help shape the future of our town’s governance.”
Implications for Services & Governance
If Horsham establishes a Town Council, responsibilities for parks, cemeteries, bandstands and community halls could shift from District to Town control. A unitary authority replacing both Horsham District Council (HDC) and West Sussex County Council (WSCC) is also under discussion.
For deeper analysis, see the Sussex Local Consultation overview.
Such changes could introduce a new council-tax precept, meaning *household bills* might adjust depending on final budgets and services transferred.
Why Civic Engagement Matters
High participation rates generally lead to more representative outcomes. Studies into local democracy repeatedly show that *communities with active voices* enjoy more tailored services, heightened trust in institutions and stronger social cohesion.
By completing the survey or submitting comments, residents can help design a governance model that mirrors Horsham’s diverse priorities—from environmental projects to youth services.
Conclusion
The second round of Horsham’s Town Council consultation is more than a procedural step; it is an *invitation* for every resident to influence how decisions are made and services delivered. With the 30 September 2025 deadline approaching, now is the moment to ensure **your** perspective is counted.
FAQs
Who is eligible to participate in the Horsham Town Council consultation?
All Horsham residents—including local businesses and organisations—are encouraged to share their views.
How will decisions be made based on the feedback received?
Horsham District Council will analyse every submission and use the collective input to shape recommendations on the council’s structure, ward boundaries and operational remit.
What happens after the consultation closes?
Following the 30 September 2025 deadline, a formal report will summarise findings and outline next steps in the wider community governance review.