Act Now Horsham Residents Your Council’s Future is in Your Hands

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Key Takeaways

• The second consultation gives Horsham residents a direct say in *how* their potential Town Council will operate.
• Issues on the table include councillor numbers, ward boundaries, funding and the council’s official name.
• Public feedback will shape final recommendations due before the next local elections.
• Participation is possible via online surveys, written submissions and forthcoming public meetings.

Background

In 2024, Horsham District Council launched a Community Governance Review after *strong* local support for a dedicated Town Council. The first consultation found that 75.5 % of respondents backed the idea, sparking momentum for a second, more detailed round.

“A Town Council could give Horsham a stronger voice at a time of wider government reform,” noted one district councillor during an earlier meeting. That reform includes talk of moving from a two-tier system to a single unitary authority, making *local representation* even more crucial.

What the Second Consultation Covers

This stage drills into operational detail. Residents are invited to comment on:

• The *official name* of the new council.
• How many councillors should sit and how wards are divided.
• Which amenities—such as parks, cemeteries and community halls—should transfer from the District Council.
• Likely funding sources and any council-tax impact.

By focusing on these specifics, the consultation aims to craft a council that is both *accountable* and *financially transparent*.

Why Resident Voices Matter

Past experience shows that governance models succeed only when they reflect local identity. Horsham is famed for its heritage, bustling market and distinct neighbourhoods, and the proposed council must mirror that diversity. Your feedback will influence:

• *Accountability frameworks* ensuring councillors answer directly to their wards.
• The *scope* of services delivered close to home.
• How Horsham safeguards its interests within potential county-wide changes.

Simply put, if residents do not weigh in, crucial decisions may be made for them rather than by them.

Key Dates & How to Take Part

The consultation runs until late September 2025. During that time you can:

• Complete the online survey on the Horsham Consultation portal.
• Send a written submission to Committee Services, Parkside, RH12 1RL.
• Attend public meetings—dates will be advertised soon.

After the window closes, officials will analyse feedback, draft recommendations and present them to Horsham District Council for a decision.

Potential Impacts on Horsham

A Town Council could lead to:

• Enhanced transparency—meetings held in town, streamed online, minutes published promptly.
• More *responsive services*: quicker decisions on local parks, events and community grants.
• A modest council-tax precept to fund devolved amenities—offset, supporters argue, by better value for money.

Critics caution that an extra tier could duplicate roles. Advocates counter that *proximity breeds accountability* and quote neighbouring town councils that operate on lean budgets.

Conclusion

The current consultation is a pivotal moment for Horsham. Whether you favour the plan or harbour reservations, your input will help decide the *shape, scope and cost* of a new Town Council. Make your voice heard before the window closes and ensure local governance truly reflects Horsham’s character.

FAQs

Will a Town Council replace Horsham District Council?
No. The Town Council would operate alongside the District Council, handling *very local* matters such as parks and community events.

How much could my council tax change?
Early estimates suggest a small annual precept—likely less than the price of a weekly coffee—though final figures depend on the consultation outcome.

Can businesses comment or only residents?
Businesses, community groups and residents are all welcome to submit feedback; the council values *broad* representation.

What happens if the majority opposes the plan?
Should opposition outweigh support, the District Council could amend or shelve the proposal. Final decisions rest on the evidence gathered.

Where can I find more information?
Visit the official Horsham Consultation page or contact Committee Services on 01403 215465.