Reading Council campaigns to keep Tilehurst in Berkshire
Government's consultation on local boundaries raises concerns for Reading Council
Reading Borough Council is set to reaffirm its stance that all of Tilehurst should remain part of Berkshire as the government commences its consultation on Oxfordshire's local government reorganisation.
The consultation, which began on 5th February 2026, will run for seven weeks and considers three proposals, two of which suggest the abolition of West Berkshire council, potentially moving its residents to a new 'Ridgeway' council.
The council argues that the inclusion of West Berkshire wards, including Tilehurst Birch Copse, Tilehurst & Purley, and Tilehurst South & Holybrook, into a predominantly rural 'Ridgeway' council contradicts the government's guidance that reorganisation should align with practical economic geography.
The existing boundary was established over a century ago and now divides what are effectively suburban areas of Reading.
Reading Borough Council plans to resubmit its case during the consultation, advocating for alterations to reflect Reading's urban geography better and the economic connections of the Tilehurst area.
Councillor Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, emphasised the importance of updating the boundary to reflect community identities and their connection to Reading-based services.
She said, ""It is important to emphasise that West Berkshire would cease to exist if proposals for a new ‘Ridgeway’ council are agreed.
"Residents of these three wards would find themselves on the outer fringes of a significantly larger and predominantly rural new council where their needs would not necessarily align with those of the rest of their new area.
"Reading’s proposal on the other hand fundamentally strengthens local democracy by aligning where people pay their Council Tax and where decisions are made, with local identity, local services and patterns of daily living.
"We do not believe clinging to boundary lines which were drawn up over a century ago and are now well out of date is a sensible approach to setting a boundary for a new authority which is likely to exist for decades to come.”
According to recent surveys conducted by Reading Borough Council, residents of the affected Tilehurst wards frequently utilise Reading's services and facilities, showing a strong preference for local decision-making to occur within Reading.
The survey revealed that many residents regularly use Reading's leisure centers, public transportation, and other facilities more than similar offerings in West Berkshire, highlighting their connection to Reading's infrastructure.
Reading Borough Council encourages residents and businesses to participate in the government consultation, which closes on Thursday, 26th March 2026.