In this edition of our magazine, we enjoy a celebration of our services and the vibrant communities at the heart of Horsham District.
Inside, you’ll find updates on some of our major projects shaped by your feedback. This includes plans for Horsham Town Centre, the proposal for a new town council, and the progress made towards Government consultation on a new model for local government in West Sussex.
We also highlight preparations for food waste collections, work on our new housing strategy, and practical advice to support residents from home upgrades to wellbeing resources. Plus, we’re proud to showcase festive council-run events that celebrate the season and encourage support for our local economy.
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March 2026 articles
A spring welcome
As we head into spring, this new year brings several big developments for the District. We are committed that 2026 will be a year of progress and shared success for everyone in our District.
Sussex Sounds - Step into Spring
We are warming up for our spring and summer season performances which means visitors can enjoy music in our town centre right across the weekend, every weekend.
Did You Know?
Find out about your eligibility to receive Attendance Allowance benefits and a free discount card called the Leisure Access Card.
Cabinet of Curiosity: Museums Past, Present and Future
Our 2026 exhibition focuses on the history of early museums known as cabinets of curiosity. Look out too for children's activities at the Museum this Easter.
Read our refreshed Annual Plan
Following detailed work with teams across the Council, and a public consultation which ran in winter 2025, we have now published our Annual Plan for 2026–2027.
Your link into Council business
You can listen in, view from home, attend in person and ask a question at a Horsham District Council meeting.
A guide to your Council Tax
Horsham District Council is responsible for collecting your Council Tax. We receive 7.5% to deliver our services for residents. The remainder is split between West Sussex County Council, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, and Parish and Neighbourhood Councils.
Homes for Tomorrow
Earlier this year we formally adopted our new Housing and Homelessness Strategy for 2026 to 2030.
Introducing a new Parish Council for Horsham
At meetings during November 2025, Horsham councillors approved the creation of a new Horsham Parish Council.
Tell us about your community
This May, we are launching a series of consultations to gather feedback on parishes across the District.
Preventing homelessness
Every day, we work to make sure people get the right help at the right time.
Your guide to bin collections in Horsham District
Whether you are new to the area or just need a quick refresher, this guide explains everything you need to know about our recycling and waste services.
Restoration after Ash Dieback works
Exciting work to restore Granary Way in Horsham and enhance the environment for visitors and wildlife has now begun.
Dormice at Chesworth Farm
We are delighted to share some exciting news from Chesworth Farm: recent monitoring has confirmed the presence of fully protected hazel dormice - the first record of this protected species at the site since 2019.
Shaping the future of leisure together
Over recent months we have been reviewing leisure opportunities and considering the future delivery of sport, leisure and physical activity facilities locally.
Community Link partnership working saves lives
Our Community Link devices are designed to provide reassurance, helping people live safely and independently at home.
Did you know? Discounts and exemptions
Discounts and exemptions are available to help people to pay their Council Tax. Find out if you are eligible for Pension Credit.
Our showcase of services
Last year, we proudly hosted our first Winter Warm Up events – free activity taster days designed for residents aged 50 and over.
The Capitol Refurb update
After a record-breaking success with its festive pantomime Robin Hood, The Capitol closed its doors on 4 January to kick off its £10.2million refurbishment project for 2026.
Did you Know?
Find out about Southern Water's support and the Priority Service Register.
Better Billingshurst Programme set to deliver improvements
Our Better Billingshurst Community Fund and Investment Programme was launched in 2024 to deliver improvements to infrastructure and community facilities in Billingshurst.
Healthy habits start here: cut back on alcohol and quit smoking
Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.
Planning roofing work in 2026? Here’s how to get it right
If you’re considering a building project in 2026, roofing work may well be on your list. Here are some practical steps to help you avoid appointing the wrong contractor.
Your chance to say thank you
As we look ahead to Volunteers’ Week 2026, nominations are now open for our annual Horsham District Volunteer Awards.
Taking care of our hedgerows
Hedgerows are vital to biodiversity, providing valuable cover and food for over 100 vulnerable species, and bringing many benefits for farming, including reducing soil erosion and providing shelter for livestock.
Our wonderful Wardens
Our Neighbourhood Wardens work alongside partner agencies supporting local communities.
Early intervention action
Our Early Intervention team undertakes projects to help support community safety and cohesion.
Small grants, big impact
Our Community Climate Fund offers up to £5,000 for local community organisations to deliver projects that reduce carbon emissions while creating lasting community value.
Mapping climate action across Horsham District
We’re committed to taking practical steps to tackle climate change and to work with local partners and communities.
New bridge strengthens connections
A much-loved local landmark officially reopened on 21 November 2025, restoring a vital walking and cycling link between Steyning, Upper Beeding and Bramber.
Horsham District businesses deliver exceptional customer service
The results are in from our recent Mystery Customer programme.
The search is on for the March 2026 Young Market Trader of the Year
Residents, visitors and shoppers are invited to support talented young entrepreneurs competing to be the Young Market Trader of the Year.
Access green grant funding for your business
Since launching in 2024, our Green LEAP Grants have funded 32 climate-friendly business projects as an extension of our LEAP Small Business Grant Scheme.
Contact us online
Make our website your first place to find useful information, make payments, submit a report or make an application, and more.
Download March 2026
Prefer to read Our District in a magazine format? Download the PDF version of the March 2026 edition. This PDF meets WCAG 2.2 accessibility standards.