General · 16 January 2026
Wales Ends Free Baby Book Program, UK's Only Nation To
Wales will be the only UK nation to discontinue its free baby book scheme, a program that has provided books to newborns for 25 years. BookTrust Cymru reports that the decision to end direct grant funding is heartbreaking and could negatively impact the poorest families. The Welsh government states that Adnodd will now oversee early years literacy, ensuring no gap in resource availability for families. The Bookstart program includes two free packs given at health checks.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs