[6] In particular, it became a lower-tier district authority, with Berkshire County Council providing county-level services in the town for the first time.

[8] As a unitary authority, Reading Borough Council delivers all local government services in the area.

Political control of the council since the 1974 reforms took effect has been as follows:[9] Non-metropolitan district Unitary authority The role of mayor is largely ceremonial in Reading.

After local government reorganisation in 1974, the leading political role was the chair of the policy committee, which was informally called the leader of the council.

[25] Reading's councillors are elected by 16 wards:[26] Since 2014 the council has been based at the Civic Offices on Bridge Street.

Reading's historic Town Hall on Blagrave Street was built in phases between 1786 and 1897, and served as the headquarters of the borough council until 1976.

[27] In 1976 the council moved to a new Civic Centre off Castle Street, adjoining other facilities including a police station, magistrates' court, and The Hexagon theatre.