Sandwell among worst areas in UK for reading skills
Research suggests a clear link between lower literacy levels and weaker credit scores.
New research suggests a clear link between lower literacy levels in parts of the West Midlands, and weaker credit scores.
The research has been released as Britain’s Got Talent star and children’s author, Alesha Dixon, joined forces with Experian and the National Literacy Trust to launch a fairytale-inspired library pop-up in London.
It's part of a programme donating thousands of free books to communities with the lowest literacy levels.
The new analysis revealed that in constituencies with the highest vulnerability to low literacy, average credit scores are between 6% and 12% below the national average of 850.
The findings have been reinforced by National Literacy Trust with research showing that children with strong reading skills are four times more likely to have good financial skills than children with poor literacy.
Sandwell showed the average credit score was 6% lower than national average.
Alesha Dixon, Campaign Ambassador, said:
“Reading and writing opened doors for me long before I understood money or credit scores. I had to teach myself those skills later in life.
“If we can help children fall in love with books now, we’re not just inspiring imagination - we’re helping build the confidence and skills that shape their financial futures. That’s why I’m proud to support The Library of No Returns with Experian and the National Literacy Trust.”
The campaign comes at a time when access to books and enjoyment of reading are under pressure. One in 10 children aged 5 to 18 do not have a book of their own at home, rising to one in six in the most disadvantaged communities.
Just 33% of children aged 8 to 18 say they enjoy reading in their free time – the lowest level since 2005.