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The structure and role of the parish council in Southwater. Your Parish Council The Parish Council came into being in 1987 upon the demise of the Horsham Rural District Council, due to Local Government re-organisation. The Parish Council is a Statutory Body, with members elected every four years and is funded through the local precept (council tax). The income and expenditure for the next financial year are calculated in the form of a draft budget. The net amount (the precept) is then added to the council tax, collected by Horsham District Council and paid to the Parish Council in two separate instalments. The Parish Council can apply for other funding such as grants and funding awards, but it does not receive funding direct from central government as, say, the County and District Councils do. The Parish Council currently operates its offices and chamber in Beeson House. There are three tiers of local government, each with different responsibilities. SPC is considered the first and local tier. Council tax paid by all Southwater residents is collected by HDC. HDC distribute Taxes and Precepts to WSCC, HDC and SPC. SPC receive the Precept from HDC in two 50% payments. The first in April and second in September. The main source of income for SPC is the precept but also receives income from various assets, grants and will look towards new income opportunities that can reduce the total precept requirement. It should be noted that some assets within the village, whether Public Open Space or Play Areas, may be operated by HDC and some by SPC. Signage is typically found at each site which will indicate which authority but where unsure direct queries to enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk The Parish Council has a large range of powers and therefore is actively engaged on your behalf on a variety of different activities within the community. A list of the powers and duties available to the Parish Council can be viewed here - Powers and Duties

Details of the Section 106 funding relating to the refurbishment of the Lardner Hall kitchen at The Ghyll. Lardner Kitchen Introduction Section 106 funding was identified by the Executive Officer which specifically related to refurbishing the Lardner Hall kitchen at The Ghyll. This was applied for and successfully granted by Horsham District Council to the total sum of £5,062.56 towards the project. There was wide plethora of works required as part of the refurbishment which included fixing damage to the ceiling caused by severe leaking in the Autumn of 2019 due to the flat roof having perished in numerous places. The previous doorway was only 2ft8 wide and required widening for better access and to accommodate wheelchair users. More energy efficient LED lighting was installed, electrical points relocated, new kitchen units, extractor fan and lockable cupboards for particular regular hirers like Southwater Bowls Club (short mat indoor bowls). Before and After Photos below

Grants are payments made by the Parish Council to an organisation for a specific purpose to enhance and promote the wellbeing of the local community, either generally or for a specific purpose; and which is not directly controlled or administered by the Parish Council. Grants Grants are payments made by the Parish Council to an organisation for a specific purpose to enhance and promote the wellbeing of the local community, either generally or for a specific purpose; and which is not directly controlled or administered by the Parish Council. Applying for Grants Each application for a community grant will be considered on its own merit. For more details on grants and how to apply for them see the Grant Policy, Guidance notes for applications and the Grant Application form below. Please visit our Policies page to access our current Grant Policy. Grant Policy Application Form can be accessed here. Grant applications are considered by the Finance and General Purposes Committee in April and October and will need to be submitted at least 14 days prior to the meeting date at which the application will be considered. For individuals or groups looking for financial assistance or other help that may not fit the criteria of the Grant Policy there is a Chairman Discretionary Fund in place. Please email the Executive Officer with your request. Grants made by Southwater Parish Council Community Grants are made by the Parish Council to organisations in accordance with its Grant Policy, however, some grants are made by a separate agreement under exceptional circumstances as considered a nd ratified by the Council. For a full list of grants made by the Council see below: Grants 2026-27 Grants 2025-26 Grants 2024-25 Grants 2023-24 Grants 2022-23 Grants 2021-22 Learn more about grants to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations Return to Annual Transparency

The Southwater Ghyll CIO is a charity who have taken over the running of The Ghyll (formerly the Southwater Leisure Centre) and the Laurie Apted Building. The Ghyll Introduction Section 106 funding was applied for by Southwater Ghyll CIO. This project was for the improvement of the windows and doors on the south and western side of the Ghyll. The project also consists of refurbishing the outside area of the café by creating a patio area and ensuring it is levelled making the entrance more appealing and welcoming. For further information regarding the improvements to The Ghyll: Click here. Before and After Photos below:

Details of the recently refurbished Play Area at Eversfield, Southwater. Eversfield Play Area Eversfield Play Area Eversfield Play Area Eversfield Play Area Eversfield Play Area 1/6 Eversfield Play Area has recently undergone refurbishment including metal work of equipment, surfacing and a new bench and bin installed. Location: Eversfield Play Area Eversfield Road Southwater West Sussex RH13 9GF

Larkspur Way Play Area has recently undergone refurbishment to all play equipment and has had a new bench installed. Larkspur Way Play Area Larkspur Way Play Area Larkspur Way Play Area Larkspur Way Play Area Larkspur Way Play Area 1/7 Larkspur Way Play Area has recently undergone refurbishment to all play equipment and has had a new bench installed. Location: Larkspur Way Play Area Larkspur Way Southwater West Sussex RH13 9GR

Agendas and Minutes from the past few years' Planning Committee meetings of Southwater Parish Council. Planning Committee Agenda & Minutes Minutes to meetings are considered draft until approved. If you require minutes prior to the dates below, please contact us at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk YouTube Live Streams of Council Meetings Available here. If you wish to speak at a meeting, please click here to read our Public Question Time Guidance Document. Useful Links Southwater Neighbourhood Plan Parish Design Statement 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021

Climate and Environment related news, applications and events from Southwater Parish. Our Parish, Our Climate Climate Related News 1 2 3 4 5

The code requires that local authorities must publish details of every transaction on a Government Procurement Card. Government Procurement Card Transactions Please note, the Council does not have a Government Procurement Card. The code requires that local authorities must publish details of every transaction on a Government Procurement Card. For each transaction, the following details must be published: Date of the transaction Local authority department which incurred the expenditure Beneficiary Amount Value Added Tax (VAT) that cannot be recovered Summary of the purpose of the expenditure Merchant category Return to Quarterly Transparency

The Parish Council does not operate parking. The code requires that local authorities must publish on their website, or place a link on their website to this data if published elsewhere. Parking Account & Spaces Please note, SPC does not have any parking. Parking Account The code requires that local authorities must publish on their website, or place a link on their website to this data if published elsewhere: A breakdown of income and expenditure on the authority’s parking account, including details of revenue collected form on-street parking, off-street parking and Penalty Charge Notices A breakdown of how the authority has spent a surplus on its parking account Parking Spaces The code requires that local authorities must publish the number of marked out controlled on and offstreet parking spaces within their area, or an estimate of the number of spaces where controlled parking space is not marked out in individual parking bays or spaces. Return to Annual Transparency

Downs Link area that is coming through Southwater village. Downs Link Play Area Downs Link Play Area Downs Link Play Area Downs Link Play Area Play area equipment Downs Link Play Area 1/12 The Downs Link Play Area is extremely popular due to its location being situated right beside the Downs Link route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It has a variety of play equipment and also has a sandpit. Location: Downslink Play Area Church Lane Southwater RH13 9DT

Finance related documents for Southwater Parish Council. Finance Transparency

Full Council meetings are held every second month. Relevant information and agendas and meeting minutes can be found on this page. Full Council Meetings If you require minutes prior to the dates below, please contact us at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk Minutes are considered draft until approved. YouTube Live Streams of Council Meetings Available here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKmIN1p8vDttdHXKM0v5SVA If you wish to speak at a meeting, please click here to read our Public Question Time Guidance Document. 2026 2025 2024 2022 2021 2023

Southwater Neighbourhood Wardens all necessary information. Neighbourhood Wardens Contact Details: Dominic Woodhead Southwater Neighbourhood Warden 07789 943193 southwater.wardens@horsham.gov.uk Bettina Long Southwater Neighbourhood Warden southwater.wardens@horsham.gov.uk 07789 943156 Contact details for each warden scheme can be found at Horsham Website Dominic Woodhead and Bettina Long are our neighbourhood wardens for Southwater Parish. Based within the community the Neighbourhood Wardens work alongside partner agencies to improve the quality of life for everyone by undertaking a number of activities from enforcement to community development, working with the elderly, vulnerable and young people. They are managed by Horsham District Council, working closely with the Parish and Neighbourhood Councils to set priorities. The Schemes are funded by the Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Councils Special Charge. Neighbourhood Wardens have certain enforcement powers and carry out high visibility patrols in their respective areas to deter crime and anti-social behaviour. Horsham District Council is accredited by Sussex Police and Neighbourhood Wardens can utilise certain police powers aimed at low-level anti-social behaviour. They can also exercise powers available to them as employees of the District Council in relation to environmental offences. Monthly Reports Annual Reports

The code requires that local authorities must publish the following information on trade union facility time. Please note, SPC does not have a trade union facility time. Trade Union Facility Time The code requires that local authorities must publish the following information on trade union facility time: Total number (absolute number and full time equivalent) of staff who are union representatives. Total number (absolute number and full time equivalent) of union representatives who devote at least 50 per cent of their time to union duties. Names of all trade union represented in the local authority. A basic estimate of spending on unions. A basic estimate of spending on unions as a percentage of the total pay bill. Please note, SPC does not have a trade union facility time. Return to Annual Transparency

Multi Use Games Area in Southwater available for the public. MUGA (Church Lane) MUGA (Church Lane) Address: Off Church Lane Southwater Horsham West Sussex RH13 9BT

Finance related information from Southwater Parish Council. Finance AGAR Annual Budget CIL Payments Grants Risk Management Schedule Annual Accounts Business Plan Expenditure Exceeding £500 Precept Section 106

Welcome to the Southwater Community Police Office, visit this page for location info, opening hours and more. Local Policing Your Local Police Office

Meeting Agendas and Minutes for Finance and General Purposes meetings. Finance & General Purposes Minutes and Agendas Minutes are considered draft until approved. If you require minutes prior to the dates below, please contact us at enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk YouTube Live Streams of Council Meetings Available here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKmIN1p8vDttdHXKM0v5SVA If you wish to speak at a meeting, please click here to read our Public Question Time Guidance Document. 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021

Expenditure at the Council Exceeding the above amount. Expenditure Exceeding £500 The Local Government Transparency Code 2015 (the code) came into effect on 1 April 2015. The code is issued by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in exercise of powers under section 2 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980, and replaces any previous codes issued in relation to authorities in England under those powers. The code does not replace or supersede the existing framework for access to and re-use of public sector information provided by the: Freedom of Information Act 2000 (as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012) Environmental Information Regulations 2004 Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 Infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community regulations 2009 Sections 25 and 26 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 which provides rights for persons to inspect a local authority’s accounting records and supporting documentation, and to make copies of them. The code requires local authorities in England to publish expenditure exceeding £500 quarterly as a minimum. However this detail is shown bi-monthly in line with F&GP frequency. Documents organised by financial years: 2026-2027 April - May 2023-2024 2020-2021 2025-2026 2022-2023 2019-2020 2024-2025 2021-2022 Return to Quarterly Transparency

Social housing assets in Southwater Parish, in West Sussex. Social Housing Assets The code requires that local authorities must publish details of the value of social housing stock that is held in their Housing revenue Account. The following social housing stock data must be published: Valuation data to be listed at postal sector level. Valuation data for the dwellings using both Existing Use Value for Social Housing and market value as at 1 April. An explanation of the difference between tenanted sale value of dwellings within the Housing revenue Account and their market sale value. Please note, SPC does not have any social housing assets. Return to Annual Transparency

The Southwater Ghyll CIO is the charity who are responsible for the running of The Ghyll (formerly the Southwater Leisure Centre) and the Laurie Apted Building. Southwater Ghyll CIO The Southwater Ghyll CIO is a charity who have taken over the running of The Ghyll (formerly the Southwater Leisure Centre) and the Laurie Apted Building. You can book out spaces at The Ghyll and the Laurie Apted Building on an ad-hoc basis for events such as award ceremonies, family parties, meetings and more. For more information on how to book out spaces, please visit their website - The Ghyll website. Spaces to book at The Ghyll: The Lardner Hall MUGA Meeting Room The Laurie Apted Building:

Read the Southwater Parish Council Neighbourhood Warden Monthly Reports Neighbourhood Warden Monthly Reports 2026 2025 2024 2023

What can Local Councils do? ​ Details of the powers which have been vested in Parish, Town and Community Councils by the Acts of Parliament are summarised here. Powers and Duties What Can Local Councils Do? The powers which have been vested in Parish, Town and Community Councils being Acts of Parliament are summarised in this publication as a guide to Councillors and others. Each description is brief and is intended to be a general indication. Like all powers given to public bodies, the powers of local councils are defined in detail in legislation and these details may include a requirement to obtain the consent of another body (for example the approval of the County Council for the provision of a car park). Local Councils must exercise their powers subject to the provisions of the general law (for example planning permission is necessary for a sports pavilion). Information on all these details should be in the hands of the Clerks of the Council. The powers are listed below:

The code requires that local authorities must publish the pay multiple on their website, defined as the ratio between the highest paid taxable earnings for the given year (including base salary, variable pay, bonuses, allowances and the cash value of any benefits-in-kind) and the median earnings figure of the whole of the authority’s workforce. Pay Multiple The code requires that local authorities must publish the pay multiple on their website, defined as the ratio between the highest paid taxable earnings for the given year (including base salary, variable pay, bonuses, allowances and the cash value of any benefits-in-kind) and the median earnings figure of the whole of the authority’s workforce. The measure must: Cover all the elements of remuneration that can be valued. Use the median earnings figure as the denominator, which should be that of all employees of the local authority on a fixed date each year, coinciding with reporting at the end of the financial year. Exclude changes in pension benefits, which due to their variety and complexity cannot be accurately included in a pay multiple disclosure. Southwater Parish Council’s Pay Multiple as at 31 March 2026 is 1.88:1 (Based on Median) and 1.77:1 (Based on Mean) These calculations include part-time employees’ total salaries as full-time equivalents, not pro rata. Return to Annual Transparency

Everything you need to know about climate change and the actions we can take as a community to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve life for everyone within our Parish. Our Parish, Our Climate Welcome to our page where you can find everything related to climate change and the actions we can take as a community to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve life for everyone within our Parish. Please browse around below amongst our resources and check out SPC's climate action plan. News Click here for environment and climate related news from the parish and the district. Climate Action Plan Southwater Parish Council's climate action plan has been launched. Useful Resources A collection of useful and interesting resources to help the environment. Sustainability in Southwater What can you do in Southwater? Where and what can you recycle in the area? And more...

The Southwater Infrastructure Delivery Plan document will, it is hoped, provide a framework for the prioritisation of improvements to local infrastructure moving forward. Southwater Infrastructure Delivery Plan Southwater Parish Council are inviting responses to their consultation on the Southwater Infrastructure Delivery Plan. This document will, it is hoped, provide a framework for the prioritisation of improvements to local infrastructure moving forward. Useful Links: Volume 1 Volume 2 Volume 3 Background The Parish Council has been preparing the Southwater Infrastructure Delivery Plan (SIDP) for the Parish, it's purpose is to: Identify and assess existing infrastructure within the Parish to identify improvements needed/desirable. Identify gaps in existing infrastructure. Identify potential funding sources for improvements The SIDP will enable the Parish Council to effectively prioritise and progress new/improved infrastructure in collaboration with the community. It is important as Policy SNP23 of the Southwater Neighbourhood Plan requires CIL monies to be spent in accordance with a ‘Southwater Infrastructure Delivery Plan’. It states: ‘Any CIL funds raised by development within the Plan Area and paid to Southwater Parish Council will be used to: a) Support the delivery of projects identified in the ‘Southwater Infrastructure Delivery Plan’, a document maintained by the Parish Council. b) Support any other projects identified as a priority by the Parish Council to address demands that development has placed on the area.’ The document is not intended to be binding, and the projects which monies are spent on will be decided by the Parish Council. The Southwater Neighbourhood Plan also includes a requirement for new development to plan trees, and the SIDP will also seek to identify potential locations where these trees could be planted. Preparing the SIDP can be split into 6 stages. These are: Stage 1 – Identification & Assessment Stage 2 – Community Engagement Stage 3 – Update Identification & Assessment Stage 4 – Prepare SIDP Stage 5 – Adopt Stage 6 – Review Stage 1, which is complete, involved Initial community engagement which took place in late 2020. This provided local groups and organisations an opportunity to identify infrastructure that was important to them and place them into a typology category. They were asked to score the infrastructure as being either in good, reasonable, or poor condition. They were also asked to identify any gaps in infrastructure and why they are needed in the parish. Our consultants then mapped the identified infrastructure and assessed them against, providing an initial verdict on which infrastructure is of high priority (requiring immediate action), medium priority (needing future action), or low priority (needing no action prior to the next review). Alongside this, possible sites for tree planting have been identified and how many trees each location could accommodate. This is to aid those proposing development to comply with policy SNP18 of the neighbourhood plan. What is infrastructure & limitations In the context of the SIDP, infrastructure is the facilities that are needed to support the needs of the community, ensuring that those living, working or visiting the SNP area experience a high quality of life. Whilst this can be far reaching there has been an initial focus on local matters that the Parish Council can readily have a meaningful impact on. This report does not therefore address Education (which is the responsibility of West Sussex Country Council) or the road/highway network (which is the responsibility of West Sussex Country Council / National Highways). Community Engagement Is Complete The Community Engagement stage took place from 1st - 31st March 2022. The community was invited to look at the initial work done and were given the opportunity to give their views on whether the SIDP was missing anything and whether you agreed with the priorities identified. Thank you to those who submitted their views. This feedback will be used to update the work done to date and enable the preparation of the SIDP.

Defibrillator information and details of their locations in Southwater. Defibrillators Public Access Defibrillators in Southwater Parish There are 14 Public Access Defibrillators in the parish. These devices may be used by anyone. To gain access call 999 and ask for the ambulance service where they will advise you of the access code to open the cabinet. These devices are all semi-automatic and simple to use. They give verbal and written instructions on how to use them and will not shock a patient if the patient does not need shocking. The ambulance service will support you with the use of the device if needed. Please see below for locations of public access defibrillators in Southwater Parish. You can also visit our dedicated page to Southwater Community Responders or visit Southwater Community Responder's Facebook page for more information. 1. Beeson House Location: Lintot Square, RH13 9LA To the right of the main entrance. Access: 24/7 3. Oakhurst Business Park Location: RH13 9RT To the left of the entrance to PBS Group. Access: 24/7 5. Roundstone Park Location: Worthing Road, RH13 9JG To left of the park office door. By the entrance to the residential park, behind Charmans Lodge. Access: 24/7 7. Southwater Sports Club Location: Church Lane, RH13 9BT Right side of club, facing football fields. Access: 24/7 9. The Ghyll Location: Pevensey Road, RH13 9XZ To the left of the main entrance. Access: 24/7 11. Southwater Village Hall Location: Church Lane, RH13 9BT In porch at front of building. Access: 24/7 13. Phone Box Location: Foxfield Cottages, RH13 9EP Red phone box on corner of Foxfield Cottages/Shipley Road. Access: 24/7 2. "Bemerton" Location: Salisbury Road, RH13 0AJ To right of gate approximately 110m/330ft from Worthing Road on the right. Access: 24/7 4. Hen & Chicken Location: Worthing Road, RH13 9BH On the main building of the pub, closer towards Worthing road. Access: 24/7 6. Scout Hut, Church Lane Location: Church Lane, RH13 9BT Outside the Scout Hut on Church Lane. Access: 24/7 8. Coop, Lintot Square Location: Lintot Square, RH13 9LA Left side of Coop next to the Lintot Public House. Access: 24/7 10. Gardener House Location: College Road, RH13 9EG To the left of the main entrance. Access: 24/7 12. Southwater Country Park Cafe Location: Cripplegate Lane, RH13 9UN To the right of the main entrance. Access: 24/7 14. Raylands Country Park Location: Jackrells Ln, Southwater, Horsham RH13 9DH Laundry Room Access: 24/7, except in January, when the defibrillator is taken off-line for the month as the park is closed.