Decision

That the Cabinet:
 

1.        
recognises the benefits of reading for educational attainment,
wellbeing and social inclusion and declares its formal support for
the National Year of Reading;

 

2.        
welcomes the campaign objectives and commits to working with
Council partners including local libraries, schools, community
groups, literacy organisations and businesses to promote reading
across Torbay communities; and

 

3.        
request that the Director if Corporate
Services completes the online pledge to start the actions that will
be taken by the Council.

Reasons for the decision

The National Year of
Reading 2026 had a simple but ambitious vision to (re)connect
people of all ages with reading as a meaningful, modern, and social
activity.  Reading was not only a skill
for school or work but a practice that brings relevance and joy to
everyday life, connecting people with stories and ideas that
reflect their cultures, interests, and needs.  The ambition was that the National Year of Reading
2026 would make lasting change to the reading habits of the nation
to reverse the decline in reading for pleasure and unlock one of
the most powerful tools for equity and opportunity: a love of
reading that lasts a lifetime.

Alternative options considered

There were no
alternative options considered.