[4][5] On 1 April 1977 the borough was enlarged by the addition of parts of the parishes of Eye and Dunsden, Kidmore End and Mapledurham, all from South Oxfordshire.

The number of councillors on Reading Borough Council was increased from 46 to 49 as a result.

The two South Oxfordshire district councillors representing much of the transferred area automatically became Reading borough councillors without needing to be re-elected, representing a new ward of Caversham Park.

[7][8] The September 1977 by-election was triggered by the death of Conservative councillor Cyril Aucock.

[9][10] The Minster ward by-election in 1977 was triggered by the resignation of Conservative councillor Joyce Talbot.