Local Authorities

Reading Borough itself follows a very tight boundary based around the urban core of the region and servicing a population of nearly 150,000.  Reading itself, or the geographic area traditionally recognised as Reading is far larger, as home to nearly 250,000 people, and includes the suburbs of Reading which fall under other administrative control. 

Confusingly, areas around the University and Tilehurst will find themselves in different local authority areas.  However the M4 provides a recognisable boundary south of the town (where you change county as well) and heading north you'll also find a fairly clear boundary between Reading, Berkshire and yet another different country - South Oxfordshire. 

The following councils are the various local area authorities for Reading. Depending on where you settle in town you will need to talk to one of these for advice on everything from refuse collection, libraries, schools, housing and planning.

• Reading Borough Council - www.reading.gov.uk
  For central Reading, Caversham, Emmer Green, East Reading, Whitley, West Reading, most of Tilehurst.
   
• South Oxon District Council - www.southoxon.gov.uk
  For Mapledurham, Sonning Common, Goring, Peppard, Stoke Row, Shiplake etc
   
• West Berkshire District Council - www.westberks.gov.uk
  For Calcot, parts of Tilehurst, Purley, Streatley, Theale, Beech Hill, Lower Basildon etc
   
• Wokingham Borough Council - www.wokingham.gov.uk
  For Earley, Woodley, Winnersh, Sonning, Spencers Wood, Charvil etc