Participate Now or Risk Losing Your Voice in Horsham’s Future Governance

Background to Horsham Town Council

Horsham is on the brink of a governance overhaul. As part of a wider reorganisation that will merge Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council into a single unitary authority, a new layer of *hyper-local* government is proposed: Horsham Town Council. While the unitary authority will oversee county-wide services, the town council intends to champion Horsham-specific priorities—parks, events, small grants, and community facilities. “Local decisions should be made locally,” one resident told us, underscoring the appetite for a council focused solely on Horsham’s character.

Details of the Public Consultation

Phase two digs deeper into six pivotal themes:

• Funding & Costs – start-up budgets, ongoing expenses, and value for money.
• Council Tax – projected *precept* levels and how every penny might be spent.
• Representation – proposed ward maps and councillor numbers to guarantee fairness.
• Accountability – transparency measures, open data, and public reporting.
• Governance – committee structures, meeting schedules, and decision pathways.
• Boundary Issues – which neighbourhoods will fall inside or outside the new remit.

The council acknowledges that finance and representation are the most talked-about elements so far. In their words: Every submission—no matter how brief—helps us build a council that truly reflects Horsham.

Role of Town Councillors

Elected councillors will act as *neighbourhood advocates*. Their day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Championing ward priorities and liaising with community groups.
• Overseeing parks, allotments, and local events.
• Scrutinising budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Upholding transparency and reporting back to residents.

Public Engagement Efforts

Residents can have their say through a variety of channels:

• An online survey hosted on the Horsham District Council’s official consultation page.
• Drop-in sessions at the Capitol, Parkside, and selected community halls.
• Written submissions via email or post for those preferring long-form feedback.

Council officers emphasise that paper copies of the survey are available on request, ensuring *no one* is excluded from the process.

Impact on Residents

If approved, the new structure could bring both opportunities and challenges:

• Council Tax Adjustments – a modest rise is possible to fund start-up costs, though some district-level spend would *shift down* to town level.
• Improved Representation – residents would gain a *direct link* to councillors focused purely on Horsham matters.
• Enhanced Accountability – clearer lines of responsibility for parks, public toilets, and street events.
• Service Changes – some amenities, such as community centres, could transfer from district control to the town council.

Conclusion

Phase two of the Horsham Town Council consultation is a pivotal moment for *local democracy*. By contributing now, residents influence the scope, cost, and character of a council built to serve Horsham alone. Whether you’re passionate about budgets or boundary lines, your insight can help fashion a governance model that truly reflects community priorities. **Make sure your voice is heard before the window closes.**