Reading Borough Council (RBC) is getting two extra councillors from 2022, after the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) backed its request.

The LGBCE today announced that the council would have 48 councillors in future, two more than currently.

RBC requested the additional two members as part of the LGBCE’s electoral review of the council this year.

The parliamentary body is also asking Reading residents and organisations for their help to draw up a new pattern of council wards for RBC.

Conservative councillor Emma Warman had previously called for a reduction in councillors to 45.

She said it doesn’t look good to increase the number of councillors so soon after increasing special responsibility allowances.

But the commission has agreed to the council’s request to for an extra two councillors, which council leader Jason Brock called “important” to retain the ratio between councillors and electors.

Residents have until November 4 to have their say in the consultation on boundary changes across Reading.

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

New wards are scheduled to come into effect at the 2022 council elections.

Professor Colin Mellors, Chair of the Commission, said: “We are asking local people and organisations to help us draw up new wards for Reading.

“As we develop the recommendations, we will take into account local community identities as well as ensuring electoral equality for voters.

“If you have a view about which communities or neighbourhoods should be part of the same council ward, then we want to hear from you.

“And if you think a road, river or railway makes for a strong boundary between communities in your part of Reading, then this consultation is for you.

“If you’re interested in the way the borough is run, just log on to our website to explore our interactive maps and have your say.

“Your views will make a difference.”

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