Devolution announcements – how they could affect Horsham District

A message from Jane Eaton, Chief Executive of Horsham District Council.

" On 16 December 2024 the Government issued an English Devolution White Paper. This paper asked for County Councils to join together to make proposals to be a Mayoral Combined Authority.

“This is a new level of local government, a bit like how London has a mayor, that oversees public transport, the economy, police and fire services, large scale planning, and may in the future look after some health powers too.

“Most of these services will be transferred from central government. For residents this could lead to a strengthening economy and better public transport, and they will be able to elect the Mayor who decides how many new homes have to be built in the area.

“West Sussex County Council, Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council have told the Government they think the Mayoral Combined Authority should cover the whole existing area of Sussex. The Government has agreed to progress this proposal.

"The new Mayor is likely to be elected in May 2026."

What does this mean for District and Borough Councils?

“A second part of the White Paper includes a proposal to reorganise local government. In our area this means Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council would cease to exist and a new council – called a Unitary Authority – covering all their main services would take their place.

“The Government has said the new council must provide new services to a minimum of 500,000 residents. This means the new Unitary Authority would cover at least three current district council areas. Which areas these would be isn’t yet decided. It is likely this new Unitary Authority council would be elected in May 2027 and start on 1 April 2028."

Are parish councils affected?

“Existing town and parish councils will remain. When a new large council (Unitary Authority) is set up in this way it is usual to transfer some services that are very local to the towns and parishes. These services and facilities may include parks, open spaces, war memorials, public toilets, playgrounds, community halls and community libraries.

“The Leader of Horsham District Council and myself visited the larger parishes in Horsham District throughout February and March this year to start the conversation about whether these facilities could be run locally by them."

Plans to create a town council

“The only unparished area in our District is the southern part of Horsham town centre. On 4 December 2024 some residents asked Horsham District Council to start looking at whether to form a town council for this area.

“Although some people think a town council in Horsham isn’t needed, moving to a large unitary council means the future of facilities such as the bandstands, the War Memorial, Hills Farm Cemetery, The Capitol, the Museum, its community halls, Horsham Park, Warnham Local Nature Reserve, Chesworth Farm or its allotments will be decided by a large organisation probably not based in our area. A town council could take over running these services.

“You will be asked for your opinions on the formation of a town council for Horsham in a public survey during the early summer, so do please look out for details and let us have your views.”

Jane Eaton
Chief Executive