Local government reorganisation and devolution: what it means for Reading
In response to proposals for local government reorganisation in West Berkshire and Oxfordshire, the council is planning to submit a request to government modify the border between Reading and West Berkshire.
We continue to work with neighbouring councils across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon to develop proposals for a Strategic Authority that would bring additional powers and funding to our area.
Latest updates We’ll keep this page updated with the latest news on government decisions, event details and any changes that might affect Reading. Check back regularly for the latest information.
Government proposals
On 16 December 2024, the government published a white paper on a national programme of devolution and reform to local government.
The government believes that giving more powers to local areas, and reorganising councils where needed, can help grow the economy and improve public services. This is known as local government reorganisation and devolution.
Local government reorganisation (LGR)
The government wants to make local councils simpler. The proposal affects two-tier councils, such as:
- county councils
- district councils
The government wants to replace these with new, larger councils (called unitary authorities) that run all local services.
What LGR means for Reading
Reading is already a unitary authority, so we are not part of the first phase of the government’s reorganisation plans. The government is currently focussing on replacing two-tier councils with unitary authorities.
Because of this, our neighbours in Oxfordshire are proposing changes. In March 2025, they sent early proposals to the government to create new unitary authorities. These would replace:
- Oxfordshire County Council
- Cherwell District Council
- Oxford City Council
- South Oxfordshire District Council
- Vale of White Horse District Council
- West Oxfordshire District Council
Two of their proposals includes the creation of a unitary authority called ‘Ridgeway’ which includes (and replaces) our close neighbour West Berkshire Council.
They must submit their final, detailed proposals by 28 November 2025. The government will review the proposals and decide which ones to take forward for public consultation. This is expected to happen in early to mid 2026.
Reading Borough Council’s response
As a result, the council has agreed to make a request to government to change the boundary between Reading and West Berkshire.
Proposed area covered by the Ridgeway Council
Proposed extension of the Reading Borough boundary
We formally confirmed our position with:
- a report to the Policy Committee on Monday 21 July 2025
- a press release issued on 11 July 2025
We will be engaging with residents across Reading and West Berkshire regarding our planned submission.
Have your say online
We want to hear from residents in Reading and West Berkshire. We’ve published an online survey so you can give your feedback. Your views will help shape our response to the government.
Talk to us in person
In-person events will be advertised here shortly.
Devolution
Devolution means more decisions and funding could be managed locally, instead of by central government in London.
At the moment only parts of England have devolution, with very few in the south-east. The government wants to see devolution in all parts of England. It believes this will improve important services like transport, planning, local growth and support for the economy.
To do this, it’s encouraging councils to form strategic authorities. These are groups of councils working together across a wider area, with an elected mayor to lead. These authorities cover at least 1.5 million residents.
What devolution means for Reading
Berkshire does not have a big enough population to be a strategic authority on its own.
On 28 January 2025, the council agreed to work with councils across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon to develop a plan for a new Strategic Authority.
Frequently asked questions
Will residents in West Berkshire be asked for their views on Reading’s proposed boundary change?
Reading Borough Council will hold in-person events where the Leader and Deputy Leader will be available to speak with residents and answer questions about our boundary proposal.
Dates and venues will be confirmed soon, and we expect the events to take place in September 2025.
We’ve also launched a resident survey so you can share your views.
Other councils, including West Berkshire and Oxfordshire, are running their own consultations on the wider reorganisation proposals.
In addition to the engagement being led by local councils, the government will carry out a public consultation before any reorganisation proposals are put in place.
For example, it’s currently consulting on proposals in Surrey, which is following a faster timetable.
Have the boundary changes been discussed with Oxfordshire?
The leader of Reading Borough Council, Councillor Liz Terry, has written to the leaders of West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Council’s making them aware. Meetings are in the process of being set up.
If the changes are approved, will the council’s name change?
There is no intention to change the name. We will remain Reading Borough Council.
Why isn’t the council proposing changes to the boundaries with South Oxfordshire or Wokingham?
We’re only proposing this change because West Berkshire is planning to merge with South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils. This would mean West Berkshire Council no longer exists.
Given how closely some areas of West Berkshire are connected to Reading, we believe a boundary change should be considered.
There are stronger transport, economic and service links along Reading’s western edge, making a strong case for change.
These are the wards being considered:
How would the boundary changes affect the political balance of Reading Borough Council?
The current councillors for the proposed wards are:
What does the proposed boundary change mean for Reading residents?
At the moment, there’s no change.
If the proposal is approved and put into effect, Reading Borough Council would cover a larger area and provide services to the new wards as well as the current ones.
We believe this could improve services, especially in the western areas where the current boundary splits communities.
Will my council tax go down if I currently pay Reading Council tax?
When local government reorganisation happens, council tax rates are gradually made the same across all areas.
If the boundary change is approved, this process will also happen in Reading.
Last updated on 31/07/2025
Local government reorganisation and devolution: what it means for Reading