Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- The second round of the Horsham Town Council consultation runs until 15 July 2025.
- Residents can influence ward boundaries, council responsibilities, and local tax levels.
- A Community Governance Review underpins the proposal, aiming to boost democratic representation.
- Potential benefits include more tailored services and faster decision-making at town level.
- A Local Government Association study shows 80% of residents feel more engaged where town councils operate.
Table of contents
Community Governance Review
The ongoing Community Governance Review evaluates whether a town council will deliver *more effective* and *responsive* services for Horsham’s unparished areas. It scrutinises existing structures, considers resident aspirations, and explores how a new body could enhance local democracy.
“A town council can bring decision-making closer to home, ensuring the voices of Horsham’s neighbourhoods are heard loud and clear.” – Review Committee spokesperson
Public Consultation Process
Residents have multiple ways to contribute before the 15 July 2025 deadline:
- Complete the online survey on the consultation web page.
- Attend in-person public meetings for open discussion.
- Submit written feedback via mail or drop-in points across town.
Diverse perspectives are vital to create a council structure that reflects Horsham’s distinctive communities.
Proposed Structure
Draft plans suggest a three-tier framework:
- A governance committee ensuring strategic oversight.
- Elected councillors representing newly defined wards.
- A professional administrative team handling day-to-day operations.
This layout is designed to balance *democratic legitimacy* with *operational efficiency*.
Responsibilities & Decision Making
If approved, the town council would oversee:
- Maintenance of parks, play areas, and community centres.
- Small-scale infrastructure projects specific to Horsham town.
- Street cleaning and environmental initiatives.
According to a Local Government Association study, 80% of residents in areas with active town councils reported improved engagement — evidence that *localised governance* can heighten satisfaction.
Council Tax & Funding
A new precept would appear on council tax bills to fund:
- Administrative costs and staff salaries
- Service delivery for amenities and infrastructure
- Community grants and local projects
Transparency will be key, with annual budgets and spending reports published for public scrutiny.
Ward Boundaries & Elections
Re-drawing ward boundaries aims to reflect neighbourhood identities more accurately. The draft map proposes:
- Smaller wards centred on key residential hubs
- A balanced number of electors per councillor
- Staggered elections to ensure continuity
Accountability Measures
To build trust, the council proposes:
- Monthly public meetings with published agendas
- Annual performance reports benchmarking service quality
- Clear lines of responsibility between officers and elected members
Public Engagement
Residents can stay involved by:
- Attending council sessions and raising questions during open forums
- Volunteering on thematic committees — *environment*, *events*, or *youth* panels
- Submitting ideas through the council’s online portal
Next Steps & Timeline
- 15 July 2025 – Consultation closes
- August 2025 – Governance Committee reviews feedback
- Autumn 2025 – Final recommendations published
- Winter 2025 – Ward boundaries confirmed
- Spring 2026 – First councillor elections held
Conclusion
The Horsham Town Council consultation offers a pivotal chance to shape local governance. By voicing your opinions, you can influence how services are delivered, how taxes are spent, and how your neighbourhood is represented. Visit the official consultation website today or attend an upcoming meeting — *your say matters*.
FAQs
Will my council tax rise significantly?
A modest precept will be added, but exact figures depend on the final budget. Transparent reporting will show where every pound is spent.
Who gets to vote for town councillors?
All registered voters living within the new ward boundaries will elect their representatives.
Can businesses participate in the consultation?
Yes. Local businesses are encouraged to submit feedback and attend public meetings, as many council decisions affect commercial activity.
What happens if the proposal is rejected?
If residents strongly oppose the plan, the District Council can choose to maintain existing governance arrangements or explore alternative models.
Where can I find more detailed documents?
All supporting reports, maps, and surveys are available on the consultation portal for download.