Chalet operator offers to pay parents’ fines for term-time hols
A ski chalet operator is offering to pay fines of up to £700 to parents who take their children out of school for one of its term-time holidays.
MountainBase is advertising its skiing breaks to Morzine in the French Alps, along with the slogan: ‘Are schools in the UK taking the PISTE?’
It adds on its Facebook page: ‘We think so. Especially with record snow levels across Morzine and yet more snow due to land in the next few days to provide excellent piste conditions.
‘So we have a special offer… Book a week with children at MountainBase/Inferno we will if you receive a fine from your school/local authority pay the fine on copy of a receipt from yourselves."
The offer is available for bookings during March and April, except with its free ski pass offer. MountainBase offers accommodation only at a single chalet in Morzine.
MountainBase owner Lee Quince defended his offer during an interview on BBC Radio 5. He admitted he was being "irresponsible" but claimed that parents had been trapped by a law changed to address truancy. Since September, schools are no longer allowed children 10 days a year leave for family breaks.
"In some sense that’s affecting people who are not in that set, it’s a law change not destined for themselves. They’re doing an activity they’re not able to do in the UK," said Quince.
Last week, figures revealed a 70% year on year increase in the number of parents issued with fines for taking their children out of school for holidays.
Fines are a maximum of £60 per pupil per parent, rising to £120 if not paid within seven days. Refusal to pay can lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and a three-year prison sentence.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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