Recommendation 13

The private, voluntary and community sectors are stepping up to play their part in getting children reading. The necessary foundations for change are already present - there exists a rich and committed ecosystem working to promote reading for pleasure. We have heard of many inspiring examples of programmes run by charities, schools, libraries, publishers, booksellers, and other groups, which are having a positive impact in their communities. However, access to these opportunities are not evenly distributed and children’s experiences of these will vary widely according to what is available and funded in their local area and, in the case of paid- 89 for events, their families’ income. The government should take on a leading role in ensuring consistent and more equitable access to programmes. (Conclusion, Paragraph 44)