Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Residents have until 29 September 2025 to influence Horsham’s future governance.
- 75.5 % of respondents in phase one backed the creation of a town council.
- Potential shifts to a unitary authority could reshape council tax and service delivery.
- Ward boundary changes aim to secure fair representation across the town.
- Public feedback will steer the final proposal presented to government.
Table of contents
Background on Horsham Town Council
A move to establish Horsham Town Council has been brewing for years, but momentum surged after the Horsham Town Council consultation launched its first phase in 2024. The proposal would see a new parish-level body assume control of amenities such as Horsham Park, the Museum, cemeteries and community halls.
“Local governance works best when residents’ voices are at its heart,” noted Councillor Maria Patel as she introduced the next phase of the review.
Should West Sussex shift to a unitary system, Horsham’s town council would safeguard grassroots influence, ensuring the town’s distinct needs remain front-and-centre even within a larger authority.
Details of the Second Phase Consultation
Running from 14 August to 29 September 2025, phase two drills into three core themes:
- Council structure
- Ward boundaries
- Community governance review criteria
With 1,600+ surveys already submitted and a 75.5 % approval rate for the idea, expectations are high that this round will fine-tune the nuts and bolts of how the council will run.
Participation and Engagement
Residents can share feedback through an online survey portal or by writing directly to Horsham District Council. Workshops and pop-up stalls will also roam the town’s markets to capture on-the-spot opinions.
Deadline alert: all comments must be lodged by midnight on 29 September 2025. Officials emphasise the need for diverse voices, from new arrivals to long-standing locals.
Implications for Local Democracy
If approved, the town council could introduce neighbourhood divisions, appoint voluntary councillors and adopt participatory budgeting. Advocates say these steps would make decision-making swifter and more accountable.
A 2023 study into parish councils found that communities with hyper-local governance are 28 % more likely to feel represented at town-hall level.
Impact on Council Tax and Services
Merging tiers into one unitary authority could streamline back-office functions, potentially shaving costs; however, a new precept for the town council may appear on bills. Exact figures will hinge on the consultation’s outcome and subsequent budget modelling.
Supporters argue that service quality—parks, heritage sites and hall bookings—will improve because decisions will be taken in Horsham rather than at a county headquarters miles away.
Ward Boundaries and Representation
Proposed boundary redraws aim to balance population numbers, respect community identity and ensure that every resident’s vote carries similar weight.
- Re-aligning rapidly-growing west-side estates into their own ward
- Preserving historic town-centre boundaries to protect heritage concerns
- Incorporating demographic data from the 2021 Census to forecast future growth
Conclusion
The second-phase consultation is a pivotal moment in Horsham’s civic story. By voicing your perspective, you can help craft a governance model that reflects local priorities, protects valued services and positions the town for a future of responsive, community-led decision-making.
Have your say—because Horsham’s future should be written by the people who live here.
FAQ
How can I participate in the consultation?
Complete the online survey or send written feedback to Horsham District Council’s governance team. Details are on the council’s website and at local libraries.
What happens after the consultation ends?
Officers will analyse submissions, refine proposals and present recommendations to councillors before forwarding the final scheme to the Secretary of State.
Will my individual feedback make a difference?
Yes. Each response is logged and weighted; recurring themes often shape revisions and can trigger alternative options being put forward.
How will the outcomes be communicated?
A summary report will be published on the council website, emailed to survey participants and covered by local media outlets.