Community First
Every decision is made with the interests of the ward residents first, then West Berkshire residents — never a national party's agenda.
West Berkshire Residents
Local People. Local Issues. Local Solutions.
We are an independent, non-political organisation representing the people of West Berkshire, with Cllr Adrian Abbs serving as our elected member on West Berkshire Council and Co-opted member of Greenham Parish Council. We have no outside ties, no hidden agenda — just your community, working for you.
Cooperation Not Opposition
We work with whoever is in power to get things done. The best ideas deserve support regardless of who proposes them.
No Party Whip
Our councillors vote with their conscience and their community — never under instruction from the council leader or national party.
68%trust resident groups to represent them
12%of people trust political parties
34%trust local government
63%feel they have no say in how they're governed
Source: ONS Trust in Government Survey 2024. Local matters more than ever — West Berkshire Residents exists to close this gap.
I really believe independent councillors can work with whoever is in charge instead of just opposing. The public that I speak to seems to echo this — especially when residents associations come together.— Adrian Abbs, District Councillor for Wash Common
Bar chart showing the rise of the independents
Non-aligned = independents + residents' associations combined. Same set of councils each cycle (the four-year cycle including all London boroughs, ~140 councils, ~5,000 seats up).
It has worked elsewhere
West Berkshire wouldn't be the first. Before the recent government merging of councils, residents' associations had transformed local democracy.
Epsom & Ewell
Residents will have held the majority since 1937 until April 2027.
Elmbridge
RA group ran the council in coalition. They are now being forced to merge which is altering that.
Uttlesford
Residents held full council control until 2 Cllrs defected to reform.
Surrey CC
Now being split into two unitary authorities, but Residents groups held 16 county seats — more than Labour or Greens until this forced split.
Ready to put West Berkshire first?
Whether you want to join as a member, stand as a candidate in 2027, or simply find out more about what we stand for — we'd love to hear from you.