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Wales’ story starts here: Experian brings free books to one of the Welsh areas with the highest literacy vulnerability
- Methyr Tydfil ranks third lowest in the UK for literacy vulnerability, with an average literacy score of 1.64 against a national average of 5
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- Average credit score for Methyr Tydfil sits at 793, 7% below the national average of 850
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- New research shows children with strong reading skills are four times more likely to develop good financial skills
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- Part of a nationwide campaign, Experian will be distributing more than 600 free books to communities where literacy support is needed most
Thursday, 9th July 2026: This Thursday, Experian will be giving away hundreds of free books to children in schools across Methyr Tydfil (including Goetre Primary School, Gellifaelog Primary School, Ty Dysgu School and Blessed Carlos Acutis), helping to inspire a love of reading among local families. Aimed at children aged three to ten, the initiative sought to encourage early reading habits within the community, following research that shows Methyr Tydfil ranks as the third most literacy‑vulnerable city in the UK. The city records an average literacy score of 1.64, compared with the national average of 5.
The book giveaway forms part of a nationwide Experian campaign designed to highlight the vital role reading plays in developing children’s literacy skills from an early age, and the long‑term benefits this can have on financial capability later in life. Experian data suggests a link between literacy levels and future financial outcomes. In Methry Tydfil, the average credit score stands at 793 — around 7% per cent below the national average of 850 — reinforcing the importance of early intervention to support both educational and financial wellbeing.
Research carried out by the National Literacy Trust shows children with strong reading skills are four times more likely to have good financial skills than those with poor literacy (35.6% vs 8.8%), and children who have a lower reading ability are more than six times more likely to have lower financial capability.
Earlier this year, Alesha Dixon launched The Library of No Returns in Walsall – a community space created by Experian and the National Literacy Trust. The pop-up was a fairytale-inspired wonderland designed to spark excitement around reading and remove barriers to books by creating a storytelling environment that inspires families to enjoy reading from an early age.
A mobile Library of No Returns will now be touring the UK, seeing more than 5,000 books distributed to communities with lower literacy levels, with further book drops planned in Stoke and Bradford.
The impact of literacy is visible across age groups. In Wales, young adults aged 18–20 have an average credit score of 752, while the average credit score across all age groups is 827. Experian’s analysis found that regions with stronger literacy outcomes tend to have stronger financial outcomes, underlining the long-term importance of reading skills and educational attainment.
Wales has an average literacy decile score of 4.49, compared with 5.46 in London and 6.69 in the South East, demonstrating the opportunity to further strengthen literacy outcomes through targeted support and access to books.
John Webb, Head of Consumer Affairs at Experian UK&I, said: “People often think of literacy and financial wellbeing as separate issues, but they are closely connected. If children are supported to build strong reading skills early on, they are better placed to understand the world around them, make informed decisions and feel confident managing money later in life.”
“At Experian, we’re committed to helping people build their financial confidence so that they’re better equipped to make smart money moves. That starts with understanding what shapes financial confidence in the first place. Through our partnership with the National Literacy Trust, we want to help more children access books, enjoy reading and build foundations that can open up better opportunities in the future.”
A supporting donation drive will also run through The Big Give, with Experian matching donations to raise further funds for the National Literacy Trust’s work in communities that need it most.
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