Reading & Berkshire

Reading and Berkshire is one of the UK's strongest regional economies, with particular strengths in technology, life sciences and logistics. The region also has a vibrant social and cultural life: Windsor Castle, the Reading Festival and Newbury Racecourse.

The area should be doing even better, but political choices are holding us back. Planning bottlenecks have throttled the supply of new housing and business premises, and the exorbitant house prices and rents that result are crushing the dreams of hardworking residents: a home of one's own, a new business venture, the opportunity to move here to take a better job. Meanwhile long-promised infrastructure upgrades like the Western Rail Approach to Heathrow and the Third Thames Bridge have not materialised.

Berkshire is the economic engine of the Home Counties. But economic growth only matters if it brings prosperity - affordable homes, good jobs, and thriving communities. The future of Berkshire won't be decided by chance. It will be decided by those who choose to get involved.

The LFG Reading and Berkshire chapter is here to drive the change we need. We campaign for things to get built. We clean up parks and public spaces. And we meet up to have fun in defiance of the nanny state. Join us!