In this winter edition of Our District we celebrate our vibrant communities and events on offer over Christmas and throughout the festive season. Look out for details of the reopening of The Capitol with a spectacular line-up of performances following its major refurbishment. We also share updates on improvements to our parks and play areas, and the valuable work of our Community Wardens.
Find practical information to help you over the festive period, from changes to waste and recycling collections to managing your Council Tax online. We also highlight community support, wellbeing initiatives and opportunities to volunteer and make a difference in your local community.
At the time of sending this edition to print we had not received the Government’s decision on the future structure of local councils in West Sussex. However, it remains business as usual at the Council. You can find the latest information at: www.shapingwestsussex.org. I hope you enjoy this edition.
Prefer to read Our District in a magazine format?
Download the November 2026 PDF magazine version (11MB)
November 2026 articles
A Winter welcome
There are many opportunities to come together over Christmas and throughout the festive season as we celebrate our services and the vibrant communities at the heart of Horsham District.
Share the magic of Christmas in Horsham District
Enjoy special events, live music, unique shopping opportunities and cultural delights for everyone this Christmas.
Horsham Museum prepares for an exciting new chapter
Although Horsham Museum is currently closed while important repair works are undertaken, there is still plenty taking place behind the scenes.
Council Tax at your fingertips
Our website is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it easy to find the information you need at a time that suits you.
Moving towards a new Local Plan
We are moving closer to adopting a new Local Plan for Horsham District, which will guide where new homes, employment sites and other development should go up to 2040.
Unlocking much-needed housing
A new forum brought housing providers and Council teams together to strengthen partnership working and help deliver more homes for local people.
Hundreds flock to celebrate Sussex food and drink
Residents and visitors of all ages enjoyed a day packed with great food, local produce and live entertainment when the Big Nibble returned to Horsham's Carfax in September.
Growing Your Teenager
We know that starting secondary school is a big step for children and parents alike. That’s why our free Growing Your Teenager course offered practical advice to help families.
The Road Safety Survey results are in
In the last edition of Our District we promoted the Horsham District Community Safety Partnership’s Road Safety Survey. The results are in. Here's what happens next.
Decisions made following Community Governance Review
Thank you to all those who commented on both rounds of the Community Governance Review consultations. View the approved recommendations.
Creating opportunities to get active
We are preparing a new contract to manage our four leisure centres from December 2027. This will make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to become more active.
Help with the cost of living
If you are finding it difficult to cover essential costs, additional advice and support is available.
Your bin collections over Christmas and New Year
There will be no collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day. Our teams will be working on Bank Holiday Monday 28 December, in addition to working additional Saturdays to catch up. More details here.
Our new pendant alarm: keeping you safe wherever you are
Our Community Link devices are designed to give peace of mind, helping people live safely and independently at home and while out and about.
Supporting Warnham’s wildlife
We are celebrating a fantastic contribution of more than £250,000 since 2017 from The Friends of Warnham Local Nature Reserve in support of the Reserve and its ongoing development.
A wilder future for Bramber Brooks
We have continued working to establish Bramber Brooks as a thriving wetland and meadow habitat for wildlife and people.
Volunteer wildlife training takes off
An exciting new volunteer training programme has taken shape this summer through our Wilder Horsham District partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust.
Protecting our ancient trees
Horsham District is home to many veteran trees. These can be found in old hedgerows, woodlands and even urban parks.
Inclusive play at Dinosaur Island
At Dinosaur Island in Southwater Country Park, the second wheelchair swing in the District opened in time for the summer holidays.
Play improvements bring joy
This summer, we have continued our programme of improvements to play areas across the District.
Greater security and fairer renting for local people
The Renters’ Rights Act is now in effect, bringing the biggest changes to the private rented sector in decades.
Healthier employees, stronger businesses
Supporting employee wellbeing is one of the most effective ways businesses can improve productivity, reduce sick days and create a more engaged workforce.
Greener travel, stronger communities
What if a small community project could help people save money, improve wellbeing and reduce carbon emissions at the same time?
Could a Nature Recovery Award help your project flourish?
The Nature Recovery Award offers up to £5,000 grant funding to support practical schemes to create and enhance wildlife habitats.
Are you ready to retrofit?
Clean energy already powers around half of Britain’s electricity supply. Many of us are changing how we think about powering our homes or how best to replace older energy systems to meet modern needs and help reduce ongoing costs.
Planning home improvements? Check before you build
Home improvement projects often focus on the end goal, but your alterations may require Building Regulations approval.
Meet our Neighbourhood Warden Team Leader
Neighbourhood Wardens are a familiar presence across Horsham District, working with residents, local organisations, Sussex Police and partner agencies to tackle community issues, support vulnerable people and help create safer, stronger neighbourhoods.
Better Billingshurst takes shape
From improved play areas and sports facilities to greener spaces and support for local groups, the Better Billingshurst programme is delivering lasting improvements to the village.
Volunteering can help shape your future
Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in your community and can also be an investment in your own future.
Extending our employment support offer for residents
Two employment support programmes available to Horsham District residents have recently been extended after receiving funding from the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority.
Waste management for your business: efficient, responsible, tailored to you
Are you ready for the Simpler Recycling deadline? From 31 March 2027 businesses will need to separate their waste. Food Waste, recycling and general waste is required to be separated and collected separately.
Upskill your business in 2027
Our popular Business Training Programme will return for 2027, offering local businesses more opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills.
Making space for Christmas? Book a Bulky Bag today
Whether you're tackling a home DIY project or working across multiple sites, our Bulky Bags make waste disposal simple and hassle-free.
Did you know?
Sign up to the Priority Service Register, find out about financial support from Southern Water and explore how Pathfinder West Sussex can guide you to services that match your needs.
The Capitol is back! A new chapter for our much-loved venue
After an extensive refurbishment, The Capitol Horsham is ready to reopen its doors just in time for the festive season, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of the town's most cherished cultural venues.
Contact us
Make our website your first place to check for all sorts of useful information about our services.
Download November 2026
Prefer to read Our District in a magazine format? Download the PDF version of the November 2026 edition. This PDF meets WCAG 2.2 accessibility standards.