Horsham Parish Council approved to launch in 2026
The new council aims to enhance local involvement in decision-making.
Plans for Horsham Parish Council have been approved, with the new body set to officially form on 1st April 2026.
Horsham District councillors gave the green light to the council’s creation following Governance Committee and full Council meetings in November.
The first elections for Horsham Parish Council will take place on 7th May 2026, with 18 councillors representing nine wards across the town.
The decision follows a two-part consultation involving local residents, businesses, and community groups.
Councillors said 75% of respondents supported forming a parish council, seeing it as an opportunity to improve community representation, increase local control over decision-making, and foster stronger involvement in shaping the town's future.
Once established, the new council will serve more than 22,000 residents and take responsibility for decisions on issues directly affecting the Horsham area.
Horsham District Council Chair of the Governance Committee, Councillor James Brookes, said: “This is an important step in ensuring that local decision-making takes place at the most appropriate level.
“The creation of Horsham Parish Council will give the community in the town a stronger voice.
“We will have a dedicated body focused solely on the needs, identity, and overall wellbeing of the people who live and work here.”
The creation of the new parish council comes amid wider government proposals to reorganise local government into larger Unitary Authorities, which could replace Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council.
While Unitary Authorities would manage many of the services currently overseen by HDC and WSCC, concerns have been raised about how facilities such as Horsham Park, the Museum and Art Gallery, and Hills Farm Cemetery might be managed if a larger organisation outside Horsham is in charge.
Horsham Parish Council is aimed at promoting localised decision-making and ensuring the town’s identity and priorities remain central to its future.