Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Second round of Horsham Town Council consultation open from 14 August – 29 September 2025.
- Residents can influence ward boundaries, council structure and service transfer.
- Potential impact on local services and council tax will be shaped by public feedback.
Table of Contents
Community Governance Review
The ongoing community governance review is examining how effectively Horsham’s local government reflects community identity and delivers services. Its aim is simple yet ambitious — to bring decision-making closer to the people who feel its impact every day.
Early feedback revealed overwhelming support for a town council, prompting the current stage of consultation to refine the shape and scope of the new authority.
Second Public Consultation Details
Running from 14 August to 29 September 2025, the consultation invites residents to weigh in through a user-friendly online survey and a library of informational resources.
“Your views are essential in creating a council that truly represents the needs and aspirations of our community,” a Horsham District Council spokesperson emphasised.
- Quick online questionnaire for busy residents.
- Downloadable briefing papers that break down ward options.
- Drop-in sessions for face-to-face discussion.
Proposed Council Structure
Key proposals include redrawing ward boundaries to reflect recent population shifts, introducing voluntary councillors to oversee neighbourhood amenities, and transferring select services from the district to the town council. The plan also explores neighbourhood councils, allowing ultra-local representation inside the wider framework.
Why it matters: more responsive decision-making, clearer accountability and services tailored to the unique character of each street, park and business district.
Impact on Services & Council Tax
If approved, services such as park maintenance, community events and certain planning functions could move under the new council’s umbrella. While a modest adjustment to council tax may follow to fund these duties, the district council says any increase will be weighed against efficiency savings and resident priorities.
In short, locals will help decide how much they pay and what they receive in return.
How to Get Involved
Active participation is the lifeblood of local democracy. Residents can:
- Complete the online survey before 29 September.
- Read the full proposal on the council’s website.
- Attend public meetings or organise a neighbourhood discussion group.
For detailed information, visit the official consultation webpage and make your voice count.
Conclusion
The Horsham Town Council proposal represents a pivotal chapter in the town’s civic story. By engaging in the consultation, residents can help craft a council that speaks with them, not merely for them. Every response submitted between now and 29 September shapes the future of Horsham’s governance, services and sense of community.
FAQs
Will creating a town council definitely raise my council tax?
Not automatically. Any change will depend on which services are transferred and the efficiencies the new structure achieves. The consultation invites residents to comment on acceptable cost levels.
How many councillors will the new body have?
Numbers are still under review. Draft options range from 12–18 councillors, distributed across newly defined wards to ensure balanced representation.
Can neighbourhood councils override the town council?
No. Neighbourhood councils would act in an advisory capacity, focusing on hyper-local issues and feeding recommendations to the town council for final decisions.
What happens after the consultation closes?
Feedback will be analysed and presented to Horsham District Council this winter. If the proposal proceeds, statutory orders could establish the town council in time for elections in May 2027.
I’m short on time—what’s the quickest way to contribute?
Spend two minutes on the online survey — even a single answer helps build a stronger picture of community priorities.