Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Horsham District Council has launched the second round of its consultation to establish a new town council.
- Residents have a direct say on the council’s name, size and ward boundaries.
- The move coincides with wider plans for a new Unitary Authority, reshaping local government.
- A local precept may be introduced, affecting future council tax bills.
- Feedback can be given online, at community meetings, or via written submissions.
Table of contents
Background
In May 2025, Horsham District Council carried out its initial consultation on creating a dedicated town council for Horsham town centre. An impressive 75.5 % of respondents backed the idea, signalling a strong appetite for more localised decision-making.
The proposed Horsham Town Council would focus on grassroots representation, ensuring that day-to-day decisions affecting the town are made by elected members who live and breathe Horsham life.
Consultation Details
The Horsham Town Council consultation now moves into its second stage, drilling down into specifics such as:
- The council’s official name
- The number of town councillors
- Proposed ward boundaries and divisions
Residents can have their say through online questionnaires, community meetings, or written submissions. Details, dates and venues are all listed on the District Council’s website.
Community Governance
If approved, the new town council will assume responsibility for several community functions. These could include managing local parks, community halls and small-scale events — services that residents interact with daily.
“A town council brings democracy to the doorstep,” said one local campaigner during the first consultation round.
Elected councillors would act as the town’s advocates, liaising with higher authorities and ensuring Horsham’s voice is heard on wider regional issues.
Relationship with Unitary Authority
Parallel to the town council plans, West Sussex is exploring a single Unitary Authority that would replace both Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council. Under this model:
- Unitary Authority – large-scale services such as education, highways and social care.
- Town Council – community-level amenities and day-to-day issues.
This dual-layer approach aims to keep strategic services efficient while ensuring Horsham retains a personal, local touch.
Financial Implications
Introducing a town council is not cost-free. A local precept may be added to council tax bills to cover:
- Governance and administration
- Staffing and elections
- Maintenance of additional assets
However, proponents argue that local control can lead to more cost-effective management in the long run.
Service Provision
Supporters believe a Horsham Town Council can safeguard services that might otherwise lose priority under a larger authority. Parks, community events and heritage projects are top of the list.
- Local management keeps services responsive to community needs.
- It can harness volunteer networks and local expertise.
- Decision-making is faster when made close to the ground.
Political Representation & Geographical Boundaries
The consultation will set the number of town councillors and establish precise ward boundaries. Options range from small single-member wards fostering tight community ties to larger multi-member wards offering broader representation.
Finding the right balance is key to ensuring every neighbourhood feels heard.
Importance of Resident Feedback
Ultimately, Horsham’s residents will shape the final structure. The consultation gathers views on:
- Council priorities and future projects
- Preferred representation models
- How best to safeguard Horsham’s unique character
Active participation ensures the new council mirrors the town’s aspirations rather than imposing a top-down structure.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This consultation is a pivotal moment for Horsham. By engaging now, residents can craft a council that champions local interests and safeguards the town’s future. Fill in the online questionnaire, attend a meeting, or post a written submission – every voice counts.
FAQs
What exactly is being decided in this consultation?
Residents are helping choose the town council’s name, its number of councillors, and how Horsham will be divided into wards.
Will my council tax definitely go up?
A small precept is likely, but the exact figure depends on the final scope of services the town council adopts.
How will a town council benefit everyday life?
Decisions on parks, community events and minor infrastructure will be made locally, allowing faster responses and policies tailored to Horsham’s needs.
Can businesses participate in the consultation?
Yes. Local businesses, community groups and residents are all encouraged to submit views and attend meetings.
When will the final decision be made?
Following analysis of this second-stage consultation, the District Council aims to publish final proposals later this year for approval.