A cross-party education committee has concluded that the government should extend its one-year reading initiative into a sustained National Decade of Reading supported by a formal guarantee. The inquiry, launched following documented declines in children's reading for pleasure, proposes ensuring all children regardless of background have regular opportunities to engage with books and stories from birth through age 18 as part of everyday education.

The committee identifies multiple interconnected obstacles to children's reading, including competition from streaming services and social media, cost-of-living constraints, and gaps in library access. The inquiry notes that gender patterns—such as girls receiving books as gifts more frequently—establish reading preferences early, whilst fewer male teachers and role models may contribute to lower engagement among boys. Although screen time is flagged as a major factor, the report suggests England's reading decline exceeds international averages due to cumulative pressures including curriculum demands and public library funding cuts since 2010. Recommendations include restoring library investment, extending primary school library commitments to secondary schools, and automatically issuing library cards at birth.