Horsham’s Future is in Your Hands Act Now Before September Ends

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Second round of consultation runs until late September 2025, giving residents a *lengthy window* to share views.
• Feedback will decide **powers, structure, and ward boundaries** of the proposed Horsham Town Council.
• Process coincides with potential shift to a single unitary authority for the wider district.
• Multiple participation routes: online surveys, public meetings, and written submissions.
• Strong public engagement is essential to ensure local issues remain *front and centre*.

Background on the Horsham Town Council Plan

Horsham’s town centre has long been governed by a combination of Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council. With talk of merging these layers into a single unitary authority, local leaders proposed a more *nimble* Horsham Town Council dedicated solely to town-centre concerns. According to a detailed report by Sussex Local, the new body would focus on parks, cemeteries, community halls and other everyday services that residents interact with most.

The current consultation is the *second* in a two-stage process that began last year, moving from broad concepts to the *nuts and bolts* of how the council should operate.

What’s on the Table?

• Proposed powers – Should park management, event licensing or street-cleaning budgets shift from district level to the town council?
• Governance structure – How many councillors? Full council or committee system? Even the *official name* is up for debate.
• Ward boundaries – Do current neighbourhood lines offer fair representation, or do they need redrawing?

Each choice will shape how responsive the new council can be. A larger body might deliver wider viewpoints, while a smaller one could act faster. *Striking the right balance is key.*

How to Have Your Say

Officials have laid out several engagement channels, determined to avoid the criticism that “consultation” sometimes means a single, dry survey.

1. Online survey – Answer targeted questions in under ten minutes.
2. Public meetings – Drop-in sessions every Thursday evening throughout September.
3. Written submissions – Email or post detailed thoughts; templates are provided to keep things simple.
4. Printed packs – Full documents available at the library for those who prefer *pen and paper*.

“We’re keen to hear not just from regular council-watchers but from *everyday residents* who walk our streets daily,” said interim steering chair Cllr. Mia Patel.

Why It Matters for Horsham

A unitary authority could place decision-making miles away in Chichester or Worthing. A focused town council offers a counterweight, keeping streetlights, playgrounds, markets and community grants firmly under local control. Supporters argue that **resident-led governance** will:

• Speed up responses to potholes and litter complaints.
• Channel funds directly into Horsham’s cultural festivals and green spaces.
• Maintain a *distinct town identity* amid wider county restructuring.

Community Voices

Local shopkeeper James Reeve calls the consultation “a *chance to anchor decisions where they belong – on our high street*.” Meanwhile, resident group Horsham Green Spaces highlights the opportunity to enshrine protection of *urban green corridors* within the council’s remit.

Not everyone is convinced. Some question the cost of an extra tier. *“Will my council tax rise yet again?”* asks social-media commenter Lucy H. Those concerns are part of the official questionnaire, underscoring that sceptical voices are welcome too.

Conclusion

The Horsham Town Council proposal represents a pivotal moment for local democracy. Residents now hold the pen on the town’s next chapter. Whether you prefer quick multiple-choice answers or a ten-page policy essay, your input before September 2025 will *directly influence* how Horsham is governed for decades to come.

Visit Sussex Local or the council’s official portal today and make sure your voice is heard.

FAQs

When does the consultation close?

The second-round survey and feedback window remain open until the last week of September 2025.

Will this create an extra layer of bureaucracy?

Supporters argue the town council would actually *replace* some functions lost to a unitary authority, keeping decisions closer to residents rather than adding duplication.

Could my council tax rise?

A modest precept is possible, yet any increase must be justified during annual budget setting and can be scrutinised by voters.

Who can stand for election?

Anyone aged 18+, registered on the local electoral roll, and meeting basic residency or work requirements can put their name forward once ward boundaries are approved.

Where can I find the full consultation documents?

All materials are available online, at Horsham Library and at the Parkside council offices reception desk.