Welsh Books Council funding reinstated following industry protests

Plans to cut £374,000 (A$768,000) from the Welsh Books Council’s budget have been cancelled following protests from writers and publishers, reports the Bookseller. Wales deputy culture minister Ken Skates said in a statement that the proposed 10.6% cut to the council’s funding would not take place due to objections. His announcement follows a campaign to reverse the funding cuts, which included a petition with over 1900 signatures, letters to the government from affected publishers, and support from high-profile writers such as Philip Pullman and Kathryn Gray. Welsh Books Council president Elwyn Jones said in a statement: ‘In the present economic climate we appreciate the confidence of the Welsh Government in our work and we will put all our efforts into supporting the industry and promoting books in both languages. We will also continue with our efforts to secure other funding sources to sustain and develop our work.’ The Welsh Books Council provides support for the publishing industry in Wales through editing, design, marketing and distribution services. It also offers grants to publishers and promotes reading and literacy in Wales.

Category: International news