Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)


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On 5 February, the government opened a seven-week consultation on three Oxfordshire proposals for local government reorganisation. In response, Reading restated its case to keep all of Tilehurst in Berkshire.

On 16 July 2026, the government announced its decision. You can read more in our press release: Council disappointment at Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decision.


What is local government reorganisation?

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.

Reading is already a unitary authority, so we were not part of the first phase of the government’s reorganisation plans.

However, Reading Borough Council had submitted a request to government to change the boundary between Reading and West Berkshire. Our request was that the wards of Tilehurst Birch Copse, Tilehurst & Purley, and Tilehurst South & Holybrook in West Berkshire moved into Reading.

Outcome of the proposal

On 16 July 2026, the government announced its decisions on local government reorganisation in 14 areas. This included Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

The government’s preferred option was the three unitary proposal which includes the creation of a ‘Ridgeway’ Council covering South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and West Berkshire Councils.

This means our request for the wards of Tilehurst Birch Copse, Tilehurst & Purley, and Tilehurst South & Holybrook to be moved into Reading has not been agreed.

Read more in our press release: Council disappointment at Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decision

Last updated on 16/07/2026