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Annual Budget for Southwater Parish, broken down into separate financial years. Annual Budget See below specific financial year budgets approved by Parish Council. 2020/2021 2024/2025 2021/2022 2025/2026 2022/2023 2026/2027 2023/2024

Details on Section 106 Projects and Funding, and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Section 106 Section 106 Projects Section 106 Funding and Community Infrastructure Levy The principle that development should be subject to a charge or levy has been an aspect of English planning since the inception of the ‘1947 planning system’ of the post war era. Important legislative moments in this regard include the Town and Country Planning Act’s Development Charge (1947), the Land Commission Act (1967), the Community Land Act (1975), the Development Land Tax Act (1976), the Town and Country Planning Act (1990) and the Planning Act (2008). Each of these Acts has had a bearing on the process by which the contributions the development industry makes are exacted and invested. It is important to remember that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provides the policy context on which developer contributions can be sought. Currently, there are two mechanisms by which developer contributions are secured. These are: Planning obligations The Local Planning Authority (LPA) negotiate obligatory contributions with developers on a case-by-case basis to mitigate the impacts of the development. These are secured by ‘section 106 agreements’ (S106). Community Infrastructure Levy The Planning Act 2008 and subsequent CIL regulations provide the legislative basis for the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This is a locally determined fixed charge each square metre of new development. CIL is optional and Horsham District Council have chosen to adopt CIL. In Horsham District, developer contributions are currently secured via both S106 and CIL. There is currently a range of S106 monies available to the area and Parish of Southwater, which Southwater Parish Council monitors and where possible will put forward projects or lobby the appropriate organisation, for example, lobbing West Sussex County Council to spend a S106 balance relating to improvements to highways in Southwater. These monies can only be spent on specific infrastructure or facilities as set out in the respective S106 and in most cases have to be applied for via Horsham District Council. Examples of what the monies have historically been available for or can be spent on include: Commuted Sums for the maintenance of play areas and/or open spaces transferred to the Parish Council. Provision or improvement of open space and recreation facilities including Skate park in Bens Field, Stakers Lane. Provision or improvement of the changing facilities, replacement of windows and refurbishments and alterations to the upper floors at The Ghyll. Provision of outdoor sports in particular to be used for the acquisition of land for or enhancements to outdoor sports pitches. Provision, retention, or improvement of community/leisure facilities. Public artwork. Provision or improvement of community/leisure facilities. Provision of indoor and outdoor sports facilities and enhancements to the main hall at The Ghyll. Each separate Section 106 agreement relating to a development will specify exactly how much funding is available and held by the developer or HDC to which Southwater Parish Council has to apply for with the appropriate project that meets the criteria. For information on Section 106 Agreements and Funds relating to Planning Applications please visit Horsham District's Planning Portal . More information can be found here: Horsham Planning Documents S106 Projects

Expenditure Exceeding £500 / Government Procurement Card Transactions / Procurement Information Quarterly Transparency Expenditure Exceeding £500 Procurement information Government Procurement Card transactions Return to Transparency

Quarterly and Annual Transparency Data for Southwater Parish Council Transparency 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 the following information: Quarterly Annually Return to Finance & Transparency

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.

Community First Responder's (CFR) are volunteers who provide immediate care to those in their community who have fallen ill. The CFR's are dispatched by the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb). Southwater Community First Responders (CFR's) CFR's are volunteers who provide immediate care to those in their community who have fallen ill. The CFR's are dispatched by the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb). CFR's are trained to attend emergency calls received by the Ambulance Service, and give life-saving care in the minutes up to when the ambulance arrives. Training is provided by the Ambulance Service and covers Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The aim of the group is to provide a service 24 hours a day 365 days of the year. Please visit Southwater Community Responders Facebook page for more information, or to contact them. Public Access Defibrillators in Southwater Within the Parish, there are 14 Public Access Defibrillators which may be used by anyone. To gain access to the devices, dial 999 and ask for the ambulance service who will advise you of the access code to open the cabinet. For more information and for the specific location of the defibrillators, please visit our dedicated page oin local public access defibrillators: Defibrillators Location of Public Access Defibrillators in Southwater

Neighbourhood Policing is all about putting local communities – their needs, their issues and their priorities – at the heart of local policing. Acerca de About Your Neighbourhood Policing Team Explained Neighbourhood Policing is all about putting local communities – their needs, their issues and their priorities – at the heart of local policing. With this aim in mind dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been introduced throughout Sussex. Each Neighbourhood Policing Team covers a locally agreed geographic area. Team members are visible, accessible, locally known and knowledgeable about their areas. As well as dealing with crime and disorder they also work with partners to resolve the problems and issues that matter most too local people. In overall charge of neighbourhood policing teams are NPT Inspectors. NPT Inspectors co-ordinate all aspects of neighbourhood policing and make sure that the Sussex Police model of neighbourhood policing is strictly adhered to by the teams under their supervision. The size and make-up of each individual Neighbourhood Policing Team varies according to the nature of the area its covering and the particular needs of the local community. However every single Neighbourhood Policing Team has at least one of each of the following: Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Each Neighbourhood Policing Team has a Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant who is responsible for co-ordinating the efforts of the Neighbourhood Policing Constables and Police Community Support Officers that make up the team. Neighbourhood Policing Sergeants are primarily office-based but members of the public are welcome to contact them by email if they’d like to put forward any comments or suggestions regarding their local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Police Community Support Officers Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) assist Neighbourhood Policing Constables by providing a visible, accessible, familiar and reassuring presence within the local community. PCSOs spend the majority of their time patrolling their local area, providing help to the public and dealing with incidents of nuisance and anti-social behaviour by engaging with communities. By dealing with minor incidents PCSOs help NPCs to make more effective use of their time – acting as trained ‘eyes and ears’ to enable regular officers to focus on dealing with issues that require their additional range of powers and training. PCSOs can also be given a number of limited powers which allow them to deal with low level crime and other quality of life issues.

Details of council meeting dates for Southwater Parish Council. Forthcoming Meeting Dates Please find below a list of all Parish Council Meetings for 2026/27 Parish Council meetings are held in the Council Chamber at Beeson House, Lintot Square. Annual Parish Meetings (also known as "Annual Meeting of Electors") are typically held at the Lardner Hall at The Ghyll, Pevensey Road. Please refer to Agendas for details of the topics to be covered at each meeting. Please see under page Policies the document titled Standing Orders appertaining to meetings for the rules and regulations governing participation. Correct as at 20 May 2026 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PARISH COUNCILLOR AND REPRESENTING YOUR COMMUNITY PLEASE CONTACT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER ON 01403 733202 OR EMAIL: enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk

Current and recently expired vacancies at Southwater Parish Council. Job Listings and Vacancies Current Job Vacancies and Em ployment Opportunities at Southwater Parish Council : APPRENTICE BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER - 37 hours per week (Full Time), including paid apprenticeship training time Click the text below for each document: Job Advert Job Description Job Specification Application Form Please send it to enquiry@southwater-pc.gov.uk.

Local authorities must publish details of all grants to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations. Grants to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations The code requires that local authorities must publish details of all grants to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations. This can be achieved by either: Tagging and hence specifically identifying transactions which relate to voluntary, community or social enterprise organisations within published data on expenditure over £500, or publishing procurement information, or By publishing a separate list or register. For each identified grant, the following information must be published as a minimum: Date the grant was awarded Time period for which the grant has been given Local authority department which has awarded the grant Beneficiary Beneficiary’s registration number (where applicable) Summary of the purpose of the grant Amount Return to Grants

Local authorities are already required to publish, under the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, the following information with regard to senior salaries. Senior Salaries Local authorities are already required to publish, under the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, the following information with regard to senior salaries: The number of employees whose remuneration in that year was at least £50,000 in brackets of £5,000. Details of remuneration and job title of certain senior employees whose salary is at least £50,000. Employees whose salaries are £150,000 or more must also be identified by name In addition to this requirement, local authorities must place a link on their website to these published data or place the data itself on their website, together with a list of responsibilities (for example, the services and functions they are responsible for, budget held and number of staff) and details of bonuses and ‘benefits-in-kind’, for all employees whose salary exceeds £50,000. Southwater Parish Council has one employee whose remunerations is over £50,000 per annum (bracket £65,000 - £69,999). Southwater Parish Council has no employees whose salaries are over £150,000. The one employee is the Executive Officer (Proper Officer & Head of Paid Service) and Responsible Finance Officer (s151 Officer). Content correct at time of writing: 31st March 2026 Return to Annual Transparency

Explanation of the democratic process on how to become a councillor including guidance on next steps. Becoming a Councillor The Democratic Process What are parish councils? Local Councils (inclusive of Town and Parish Councils) are the first tier of local government. There are around 10,000 local councils throughout England, in both towns and rural areas, with over 30% of the country parished, 100,000 councillors who serve in these local councils, and representing around 16 million people.* Parish councils represent the interests of their local communities, provide local services and work to improve the quality and wellbeing of life in the parish. What powers do parish councils have? They have a wide range of powers which essentially related to local matters, such as looking after community buildings, open spaces, allotments, litter bins, play areas, planning, street lighting, bus shelters, car parks, youth facilities, leisure and sports facilities, organising events, and much more. A local council also has the power to raise money through taxation, otherwise known as the precept. The precept is the parish council’s share of the council tax. The precept demand goes to the billing authority, the district council, which collects the tax for the parish council. *Figures shown are the latest data from NALC's website . Who are the councillors? Local councils are made up of councillors who are elected or co-opted. Councillors work with local people and partners, such as community groups, businesses and other organisations, to agree and deliver on local priorities. The decisions are implemented by permanent council staff, council officers, who deliver services on a daily basis. How can you become a councillor? There are roughly 100,000 local councillors in England. Councillors are elected to the local council to represent their own local community, so they must either live or work in the area. Each councillor has their own reasons for running but the role offers the chance to make a huge difference to the quality of life for people in your local area. The councillor’s role centres around community leadership and engagement. What does it look like in practice? Councillors serve and represent the community in many ways, for example:  Listening and talking to people. Keeping the community informed about local issues and events. Reading council meeting agendas and reports, research and evidence to understand issues and participate in discussions and decisions. Attending formal council meetings as well as meetings with local partners and organisations. Working collaboratively with the staff, local people, voluntary and community organisations, police, health partners, and businesses to shape the future of the local area. Building strong relationships and encouraging people to get involved and share their views and ideas. Some councillors have extra responsibilities, for example specific council projects, or positions in committees or working groups. What is the role of councillors? A councillor’s primary role is to represent their local area (or ward where the council is warded) and the people who live in it. Councillors provide a bridge between the community and the council. The role brings people together. Councillors work with a diverse range of people from their community and have officers to support them in their role at the council. Councillors lead the local conversation: you can be part of that to make your area the best place it can be. It’s a varied and highly fulfilling role, and no day is the same. Why become a councillor? Being a councillor is all about giving back to your community by bringing your energy, passion, and hard-working attitude. You can make a real difference to the local community and wider society in many ways as a councillor. For example, you could be representing the views of local people to ensure the community gets the right services, supporting a resident with an issue, or helping to shape the community by driving new ideas. Is any training provided? Councillor training will be provided to all councillors to help them with their role. At Southwater Parish Council we are committed to providing councillors with the necessary training and development opportunities to ensure that the Council can meet its aims and objectives. The Council values the time given by its councillors to their community and needs to maximise the rewards from that time by ensuring that its members understand and enjoy their role in the community. Do I need any special qualifications? Being a councillor is a varied and highly fulfilling role. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications, and you’ll gain lots of new skills, experience, knowledge, and confidence. Who can be a councillor? We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the communities they serve to put themselves forward for election. You don’t need any experience or special qualifications. Your life experience, everyday skills, passion and commitment to people and communities are vital, and it’s important that councils reflect the local population. To be a councillor you need to be: British or a citizen of the Commonwealth. You may also be eligible as a citizen of the European Union, however the criteria has changed now that the UK has left the European Union. Please check on the gov.uk website for advice about EU citizens’ voting and candidacy rights in local elections. At least 18 years old. Registered to vote in the area or have lived, worked, or owned property there for at least 12 months before an election. Who can't be a councillor? Are councillors getting paid? You can’t be a councillor if you:  Work for the council you want to be a councillor for, you can work for another local authority as long as you are not in a political restricted post. Are the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or interim order. Have been sentenced to prison for three months or more (including suspended sentences) during the five years before election day. Have been convicted of a corrupt or illegal practice by an election court. Are subject to any relevant notification requirements, or a relevant order, in respect of a sexual offence. Please read the full eligibility criteria from the Electoral Commission. If you are in any doubt about whether you are eligible to stand as a councillor, you should contact the Electoral Services or Democratic Services team at your local council (Horsham District Council) or the Electoral Commission for advice. Councillors are not paid a salary or wages, but they are entitled to claim allowances and expenses to cover some of the costs of carrying out their public duties. All councillors can opt to receive an annual allowance (if they are elected). Don’t be discouraged if the next elections are a long way away – there is plenty to do and learn on the journey to becoming a councillor. Starting early will help to understand the processes of standing for election and learn more about local government to hit the ground running if elected.  Likewise, from time to time, vacancies become available, and the Council has the opportunity to co-opt a prospective councillor. Useful resources Sources used: local.gov.uk Lewis Eastbourne Council National Association of Local Councils - roles and responsibilities of councillors Southwater Parish Council Clophill Parish Council - becoming a parish councillor Don’t take our word for it! The best way to find out what it’s like to be a parish councillor is to talk to someone who’s doing it already. Come along to a councillor surgery (first Saturday of every month, except August) or speak to one of our councillors and find out what they think of the job.

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