Introducing a new Parish Council for Horsham

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.

Until then, the Council will operate in a ‘shadow’ capacity. During this period, work will take place to set the structures, policies, and priorities that will allow the new Council to begin its work effectively once elected members 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 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.

Changes to Council Tax bills

For those residents living in the new Horsham Parish Council area, you will see a change to your Council Tax bill. You will notice on your bill:

• The Horsham Town special charge, which you will recognise from your previous bills. This covers the costs for local services provided by the District Council in the currently unparished area and remains in place while the new council becomes fully established
• The new Horsham Parish precept charge, which will fund the running of the new Parish.

Both charges appear on this year’s bill for residents living in the area as the Parish Council becomes established, and both charges will be under review for the following year.