Reading Local Information
Practical local information for Reading: bin collection days, parking, council tax bands and planning, each one linked back to the official source.
Top story
Reading Roadworks This Week: Northumberland Ave, Bath Road
Northumberland Avenue's inbound lane in Whitley is shut until further notice, Bath Road closes 7pm to 1am to 2 October, Western Elms Avenue to 4 October.
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Local Info
Reading House Prices 2026: £361,243 Average, Up 0.9%
The average Reading home sold for £361,243 in June 2026, up 0.9% in a year (Land Registry). What houses and flats cost, from Southcote to Emmer Green.
Local Info
Reading Train Times to London: Fastest Is 23 Minutes
The quickest Paddington train takes 23 minutes, and contactless costs £14.70 off-peak against £29.30 on paper. All three routes, fares and season tickets.
Local Info
Reading Planning News: 14,850 Homes and a Sewage Problem
Reading's Local Plan wants 14,850 homes by 2041, but the Environment Agency says the sewage works may not cope. Where the examination has actually got to.
Local Info
Things to Do in Reading: 12 Days Out Checked, With Prices
Twelve Reading days out checked this month with prices: Britain's Bayeux Tapestry, the Abbey Ruins, Thames Lido, Beale Park and the best free ones.
Local Info
Reading Bin Collection Dates 2026 and Bank Holiday Moves
Every Reading green bin date for October to December 2026, all ten rounds, rechecked 1 October. Nothing moves before Christmas; garden waste costs £78.
Local Info
Parking in Reading: Free on Sundays, or £26 at the Station
Chester Street and Dunstall Close are free all day Sunday; the station is £26. Every council tariff from 27 July 2026, plus The Oracle and park and ride.
Local Info
Reading Council Tax Bands and Charges 2026/27
The 2026/27 charge for every one of the Reading council tax bands A to H, how the bill splits between the council, police and fire, and how to pay less.
Local Info
Reading Planning Applications: Search the Register, Comment
How to find Reading planning applications on the council's public register, how long you get to comment, what counts as an objection, and who decides.
Bins
Reading Christmas Bin Collections 2026/27: What Moves
Reading's 2026 Christmas bin dates are not out yet. Last year every round from Christmas Day moved a day or two, back to normal on 12 January. The full table.
Bins
Reading Tip Opening Times: Smallmead, 8am to 6pm, Book First
Smallmead recycling centre in Reading opens 8am to 6pm from 1 October, booking required. Shut Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day; 4pm close on the eves.
Schools
Reading School Term Dates 2026/27: Half Term 26 to 30 Oct
Reading term dates 2026/27: October half term 26 to 30 Oct, Christmas break 21 Dec to 1 Jan, last day 21 July. Plus Kendrick, Reading School and independents.
Half term
Reading October Half Term 2026: 26 to 30 Oct, What's On
Reading's October half term is 26 to 30 October 2026. Free library crafts, a Beatrix Potter show, a LEGO day at MERL and a teddy bear sleepover, with times.
Trains
Reading Christmas Trains: No Paddington, 27 Dec to 3 Jan
Trains from Reading to London Paddington are hit from 27 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 by Dolphin Junction works. What runs instead, and the bus plans.