Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Second consultation phase invites Horsham residents to *fine-tune* the proposed town council model.
- Key decisions cover council name, ward boundaries, number of councillors and scope of local services.
- Potential **council tax adjustments** linked to any expanded responsibilities.
- Deadline for feedback is 30 September 2025—responses accepted via the official consultation portal.
- Strong emphasis on *grass-roots democracy* and transparent decision-making.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Consultation
Horsham District Council’s ongoing community governance review has entered its *second* and most detailed phase. Residents now have the opportunity to shape everything from the future council’s name to the number of elected representatives who will steer its work. The first phase in early 2025 revealed overwhelming support—75.5 % of more than 1,600 respondents favoured creating a dedicated Horsham Town Council. Phase two (1 August–30 September 2025) digs deeper into structure, services and finance.
Local democracy only thrives when residents guide its direction, not merely respond to it.
That sentiment underpins the entire review process.
Proposed Responsibilities
The consultation outlines an expanded palette of local services that could transfer to a new town council, granting Horsham residents a *stronger hand on the tiller*.
- Maintenance of **Horsham Park** and other open spaces
- Oversight of bandstands and war memorials
- Management of cemeteries, museums and community halls
- Allocation of local allotments and small grants to voluntary groups
Whether these services remain centrally managed or shift to a locally elected body will hinge on resident feedback during this phase.
Council Tax & Administrative Costs
Introducing a new governance layer could alter council tax bills. Horsham District Council is modelling various scenarios that weigh:
- *Precept levels* required to fund additional services
- Staffing, election and office costs for the town council
- Potential efficiencies if assets remain under a future unitary authority
Detailed figures will be released before any final decision, ensuring residents can judge *value for money* alongside democratic benefits.
Ward Boundaries & Council Structure
To keep representation fair, draft proposals suggest redrawing ward boundaries so each councillor serves a similar number of electors. Possible changes include:
- Setting the council at between *12 and 16 councillors*, split across three or four wards
- Grouping neighbourhoods that share facilities and community identity
- Introducing staggered elections to maintain continuity
The aim is balance: enough councillors to be accessible, few enough to remain efficient.
Local Democracy in Action
Beyond technical details, the review champions transparent and participatory governance. Residents will ultimately decide whether elected representatives sit closer to—rather than further from—the communities they serve. The consultation therefore:
- Publishes all documents online for scrutiny
- Hosts public meetings and *drop-in* sessions across Horsham
- Invites written submissions, surveys and telephone feedback
A spokesperson noted that **“nothing is off the table”** if residents make a convincing case.
How to Participate
Have your say before 30 September 2025 using any of the following channels:
- Complete the online survey via the official consultation portal
- Pick up hard-copy forms at Horsham Library or District Council offices
- Call the helpline on 01403 215100 (Mon–Fri, 9 am–5 pm)
- Attend public information sessions—dates will be advertised in local media
*One voice can influence many decisions—make yours heard.*
Conclusion
Horsham stands at a pivotal juncture: create a town council that delivers hyper-local services, or retain the current arrangement within a wider authority. The consultation embodies democratic choice, inviting every resident to weigh practical costs against the promise of closer representation. However you feel, *silence translates as consent*—so engage before the window closes.
FAQs
What is the deadline for responses?
All feedback must be submitted by 11:59 pm on 30 September 2025.
Will my council tax definitely rise?
Not necessarily. Any precept increase depends on which services transfer to the new council and how efficiencies are achieved.
Can I attend a public meeting if I’ve already filled in the survey?
Yes. Multiple forms of engagement are welcomed; attending a session lets you ask questions directly.
When would the first town councillors be elected?
If approved, elections could coincide with the next local elections in May 2027, giving time to finalise boundaries and budgets.
What happens if residents reject the proposals?
The District Council can maintain the current governance model, amend proposals, or explore alternative structures based on consultation feedback.