Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Horsham District Council (HDC) has opened the second round of consultation on creating a dedicated Horsham Town Council.
- Residents can shape ward names, boundaries, and councillor numbers, ensuring **fair representation** for the town centre.
- A new town precept could alter council tax bills, funding local parks, halls, and cemeteries.
- The move coincides with proposals for a unitary authority, raising questions about overlapping responsibilities.
- Public feedback via online questionnaires, drop-ins, and mailouts will guide the final decision due in late 2025.
Table of Contents
Background on Horsham Town Council
The idea of a Horsham Town Council stems from a community governance review initiated by HDC to plug the representation gap for town-centre residents, who currently fall outside any parish or town council structure. The first consultation in May 2025 saw 75.5% support for forming a new council, highlighting an appetite for closer, more responsive local democracy.
Objectives include:
- Enhancing local democracy
- Improving responsiveness to resident needs
- Filling representation gaps in the town centre
Details of the Public Consultation
Running from 14 August to late September 2025, the second consultation dives into practical questions: what should the council be called? How many wards should it have? How many councillors per ward? Citizens can engage through an online questionnaire, local drop-in sessions, direct mail, and informational leaflets.
To participate or learn more, visit the HDC Website where forms, dates, and venues are listed.
Key Proposals and Changes
The consultation outlines several proposals designed to deliver *strong, place-based governance*:
- Ward Boundaries: Options to redraw boundaries and decide the number of councillors per ward.
- Neighbourhood Councils: Sub-structures to focus on hyper-local issues such as traffic hotspots or playground maintenance.
- Council Tax & Precept: Introduction of a small precept to fund services like parks management, community halls, and cemeteries.
Impact on Local Governance
The town council plan sits alongside a broader proposal for a *single unitary authority* replacing HDC and West Sussex County Council. While core services such as highways and social care may centralise, a Horsham Town Council would retain **grass-roots decision-making** on neighbourhood matters, striking a balance between efficiency and locality.
Public Opinion & Feedback
During the first consultation, residents voiced enthusiasm for a stronger local voice but raised worries about bureaucracy and cost. One respondent remarked,
“We need a council that speaks our language without adding layers of red tape.”
Key themes emerging from feedback include accountability, transparency, and protecting community assets such as parks and heritage buildings.
Implications for Community Services
Benefits:
- More tailored, responsive services
- Increased accountability to residents
- Control of local assets kept within the community
Challenges:
- Possible overlap with the forthcoming unitary authority
- Funding uncertainties during the transition
- Potential rise in council tax via the new precept
Encouraging Civic Participation
For this governance overhaul to succeed, *active participation* is essential. Residents can:
- Fill in the online questionnaire
- Attend drop-in events across the town
- Follow updates via local media and the HDC Website
- Raise questions at public meetings
Conclusion
With Horsham on the cusp of significant governance change, this consultation offers a rare chance to *shape the town’s future*. By contributing feedback, residents can ensure the proposed town council delivers efficient services while staying true to local priorities. Have your say now to influence decisions that will resonate for years to come.
FAQ
What is the deadline for submitting feedback?
The consultation runs until late September 2025, so residents should complete questionnaires or attend events before then.
Will my council tax definitely increase?
A modest precept is proposed, but the exact amount will depend on the final structure and budget of the new town council.
How many councillors will the new council have?
The number is still open for debate. Options range from 12 to 20 councillors spread over several wards, and residents can express their preference.
What happens if the unitary authority is approved?
The town council would handle neighbourhood issues, while the unitary authority would deliver county-wide services such as highways and education, creating a two-tier but clearer system.
Where can I find more detailed information?
All documents, ward maps, and survey links are available on the HDC Website.