This was in preparation for the local government reorganisation in Berkshire which saw Berkshire County Council abolished and its functions transferred to the six district councils, including Reading, with effect from 1 April 1998.

[1] The elections to Berkshire County Council which would ordinarily have been held in 1997 were cancelled.

The Liberal Democrats, led by Ian Fenwick, remained the second largest party with six seats.

Fred Pugh was appointed leader of the Conservative group after the election.

[2] The results in each ward were as follows (candidates with an asterisk* were the previous incumbent standing for re-election):[3][4]