Shadow Horsham Parish Council
The Shadow Horsham Parish Council has been established to oversee the preparatory work required ahead of the creation of the new Parish Council. Two consultations took place in 2025 asking residents, businesses and community groups to share their views on whether Horsham Town Centre area should have a Parish Council, which demonstrated overall support. The Council will be formally constituted on 1 April 2026. Elections for the first parish councillors will take taking place on Thursday 7 May 2026. For further information about these elections, please visit our Upcoming Elections webpage.
A Shadow Parish Council is a temporary body set up before a new parish council is formally created. It prepares the groundwork so that the new council can begin operating smoothly once elected councillors take office.
A new Parish Council is being established following the recent Community Governance Review; although it must legally be constituted as a Parish Council, it will hold the same powers as a Town Council and may choose to adopt Town Council status after the elections if Members wish to do so.
The Shadow Parish Council is made up of appointed members who are responsible for preparing the new Parish Council’s proposed structures, draft policies, and recommended priorities. These members serve only until the Parish Council is formally constituted on 1 April.
During this interim period, the Shadow Parish Council is responsible for developing the governance framework, administrative arrangements, and service preparations that will support the effective operation of the Parish Council once elected members assume office. This includes establishing draft policies, identifying logistical requirements, and ensuring that appropriate systems are in place from the outset.
An Interim Clerk has been appointed and this role will support the Council in fulfilling these duties and ensuring that residents are kept informed throughout the transition.
The membership of the Shadow Parish Council is:
- Horsham District Councillor - Martin Boffey
- Horsham District Councillor - Nigel Emery
- Horsham District Councillor - Ruth Fletcher
- Horsham District Councillor - Chris Franke
- Horsham District Councillor - Anthony Frankland
- Horsham District Councillor - Jay Mercer
- Horsham District Councillor - Colin Minto
- Horsham District Councillor - Jon Olson
- Horsham District Councillor - Sam Raby
- Horsham District Councillor - David Skipp
- Horsham District Councillor - Cheryl Sweeney
- Horsham District Councillor - Clive Trott
- Chair of Denne Neighbourhood Council - Trudie Mitchell
- Chair of Forest Neighbourhood Council - Diane Sumpter
- Chair of Trafalgar Neighbourhood Council - Morag Warrack
- Chair of Horsham Blueprint Business Neighbourhood Forum - John Steele
What the Shadow Council Is Doing Now
- Developing key governance documents and policies
- Setting up administrative and financial systems
- Identifying the staffing structure required for Horsham Parish Council
- Engaging with residents and community groups
- Considering risk management arrangements and service priorities
- Preparing for the handover to the elected Parish Council in May 2026
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Until 1 April 2026 | Shadow Parish Council in operation |
| 26 January 2026 | First meeting of Shadow Parish Council |
| 1 April 2026 | Horsham Parish Council formally established |
| 7 May 2026 | First Parish Council elections |
| May 2026 onwards | Newly elected councillors take office |
Meetings of Shadow Council
Unless otherwise stated, meetings of the shadow council will take place in the Council Chamber at Horsham District Council, Albery House, Springfield Road, Horsham, RH12 2GB. The meetings will be streamed to the Horsham District Council YouTube page, and are open to the public.
Monday 26 January - 6pm
- Agenda Front Sheet
- Attachment 1 - Draft Terms of Reference for Shadow Council
- Attachment 2 - Draft Budget for 2026/27
- Attachment 2 - Salary Breakdown Costs
- Attachment 2 - Venue Breakdown Costs
- Attachment 3 - Report for Governance Documents
- Attachment 3a - Standing Orders
- Attachment 3b - Financial Regulations
- Attachment 3c - Code of Conduct
Future Meetings
Tuesday 24 February at 6pm
Monday 23 March at 6pm
These meetings will be held in the Council Chamber at Albery House. The public can attend in person or view a recording of the meeting via YouTube after the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
The new Parish Council is being established to give residents a stronger local voice and to support community‑level decision‑making on matters that affect the parish.
The Shadow Council does not have the full powers of an elected parish council. Its role is to prepare, plan, and set up the necessary arrangements so that the elected council can begin work effectively from May 2026.
Residents are encouraged to share their views, attend public meetings where applicable, and engage with consultations as they arise. Your input will help shape the priorities of the new Parish Council.
Updates will be published on this website as the transition progresses. Key documents, meeting information, and news will be added as they become available.
Enquiries can be directed to the Interim Clerk via email: shadowhpc@horsham.gov.uk