A new ward in Caversham could be created for local elections under a series of ward boundary changes which will be introduced within the next few years.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) is currently undertaking a review of Reading’s ward boundaries for elections.

The changes seek to ensure that wards have as equal populations as possible, with some wards having grown too large and others having dwindled below the average.

It has already been announced that Reading will be getting two extra councillors from 2022, after the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) backed its request.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) has now outlined its proposal for ward boundaries, including a new one in Caversham Heights.

There will be 16 wards with three councillors each.

The one-councillor Mapledurham ward will removed and a new three-councillor ward – The Heights – will be introduced, if RBC’s plans are approved by the LGBCE.

If the present ward boundaries were kept it is estimated that by 2025 three wards would be significantly above or under the average.

These would be:

  • Abbey – 58 per cent over
  • Whitley – 33 per cent over
  • Redlands – 27 per cent under

Ward changes are scheduled to come into effect at the 2022 council elections.

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The LGBCE is also asking Reading residents and organisations for their help to draw up council wards.

You have until November 4 to have your say in the consultation.

The parliamentary body will publish its draft recommendations in February 2020 and open a further phase of consultation with local people.

The last review of ward boundaries in Reading was undertaken by the former Boundary Committee between February 2001 and June 2002 and was implemented from June 2004.

Have your say by writing to:

The Review Officer (Reading)

LGBCE

1st Floor, Windsor House

50 Victoria Street

London SW1H 0TL

Email: reviews@lgbce.org.uk