At meetings during November 2025, Horsham councillors approved the creation of a new Horsham Parish Council. This new Parish Council will come into being on 1 April 2026, with elections for the 18 new parish councillors taking place on 7 May 2026. It is then expected the new councillors will name the council Horsham Town Council.
The new council has operated in a ‘shadow’ capacity from January until March 2026. During this period, the Shadow Council has begun to set up the structures, policies, and priorities that will allow the new Council to begin its work effectively once the new councillors take office.
The new council will serve over 22,000 residents, and will be responsible for representing the community, supporting local services, and taking decisions on issues that matter directly to the town. The new council will build on the work of the Neighbourhood Councils, who have provided a community voice for local residents for over 50 years.
Chief Executive of Horsham District Council Jane Eaton commented: “The creation of a town council is a first for Horsham.
The new town council will protect local decision-making, champion Horsham’s needs, and ensure residents continue to have councillors focused specifically on the town every day.”
The new councillors elected on 7 May will decide most of the services the new council will be responsible for. Allotments will be their first service, but other services could include local arts, events and landmarks, parks and playing fields and cemeteries.
The creation of the Parish Council follows an extensive two-part consultation with local residents, businesses and community groups. Some 75% of respondents supported the formation of a parish council for improved community representation in decision making.