Introduction
Fair Oak & Horton Heath Parish Council provides local services, manages community facilities and offers community grants for projects benefiting residents of Fair Oak and Horton Heath.
Its priorities cover community wellbeing, inclusive participation, environmental sustainability, accessible public spaces and support for local voluntary organisations. These activities combine direct service delivery with funding for community-led initiatives.
History and Background
Local government and community services
The Council serves Fair Oak and Horton Heath in the Eastleigh area of Hampshire. Its responsibilities include playing fields, recreation areas, allotments, community buildings, the cemetery, community events and grants. Its website distinguishes these responsibilities from those of Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council.
The official pages reviewed do not establish the Council’s founding date. Its documented recent development includes the adoption of the 2023–2026 Corporate Plan, approved in April 2023 following a community survey conducted between December 2022 and March 2023.
Mission and Purpose
The Council aims to provide professional public services, treat residents with respect and encourage community participation through better communication and transparent decision-making. Its Corporate Plan organises priorities around People, Planet and Place.
These priorities address support for residents, community opportunities, environmental action and the upkeep of accessible local spaces. The plan includes ambitions for council-controlled areas to become carbon neutral by 2035 and to help the wider parish reach net zero by 2050. These are targets rather than completed achievements.
Governance and Structure
Councillors and decision-making
The Council’s governance page states that it consists of 15 elected councillors, who serve voluntarily without claiming expenses. Full Council makes decisions on matters including the precept, borrowing, financial regulations, policy and new undertakings. A Finance Committee and task groups support its work.
Members of the public can attend council meetings and participate during public question time. Published meeting dates, agendas and minutes provide access to its decision-making process.
Financial accountability
The Council publishes financial regulations, risk assessments, expenditure information and annual accounts. It also completes an Annual Governance and Accountability Return for external audit, with arrangements for public access to financial records.
Funding and Grants
Council income
The Council’s principal income comes from the parish precept, collected through Council Tax by Eastleigh Borough Council. Facility hire fees provide additional revenue. Its finance page states that it receives no direct funding from central government or business rates. The published precept for 2026–2027 is £991,284.
Community Grant Scheme
The 2026 Community Grant Scheme offers up to £1,000 for projects directly benefiting local residents. Applications open on 31 July and close on 31 October. Eligible applicants include community groups, voluntary organisations, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations with a constitution or governing document.
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and delivery capacity. Applications are submitted online, with supporting governance documents, financial records, insurance information and details of other project funding. Officers assess eligibility, the Finance Committee considers applications and makes recommendations, and Full Council decides awards.
Grants are normally paid in February of the following year. Recipients must use funds for the approved purpose, acknowledge council support and provide a monitoring report within nine months. Unspent or improperly used funds must be returned within two years. Individuals, commercial businesses, political activities and retrospective costs are excluded.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Community facilities and recreation
The Council provides access to venues including Woodland Community Centre, Horton Heath Community Centre and meeting facilities at the parish office. Its services also include tennis courts, playing fields, parks, play areas and allotments. These facilities provide spaces for recreation, meetings and community activities.
Climate and nature recovery
The website highlights initiatives such as No Mow May, a Bee and Tree Corridor, and nature recovery activities at Knowle Park and Lapstone Farm. It also promotes volunteering and community events as ways for residents to participate locally.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Support for local organisations
A November 2023 council report proposed community grant allocations totalling £4,000. Recommended recipients included the Community Library, Fountain Café, Friends of Fair Oak Infant School, Fair Oak Village Hall and local sports organisations. These are documented recommendations; the report alone does not confirm subsequent payments or project outcomes.
Investment in public facilities
For 2026–2027, the Council reports allocating £114,000 to projects including improvements at Knowle Park, replacement of the New Century Park path, cemetery path resurfacing and solar panels for the Community Library and Fountain Café. These are planned investments identified in its financial information.
The Council’s requirement for grant monitoring reports provides a mechanism for recipients to demonstrate how funding has supported approved activities. The sources reviewed do not provide a consolidated assessment of completed grant outcomes.
Conclusion
Fair Oak & Horton Heath Parish Council supports local development through public facilities, environmental initiatives and targeted community grants. Its funding is particularly relevant to charities and voluntary groups delivering a clear benefit to parish residents.
Prospective applicants should review the current grant guidance, prepare supporting documents and explain the local benefits of their proposed activity before applying.
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