Huge rise in term-time holiday fines
The number of parents being fined for taking their child out of school for a holiday has risen dramatically, according to BBC research.
The study, by BBC One’s Breakfast programme, suggests the number of fines issued has increased by more than 70%.
The 34 councils across England that responded said almost 5,300 fines had been imposed during the autumn term.
MPs recently debated price regulation in Westminster following an e-petition signed by almost 170,000 people concerned about holiday companies ‘cashing in on school holidays’, which could encourage parents to take term-time holiday.
But while no MPs backed price regulation, term staggering received widespread support.
ABTA has welcomed calls for school holidays to be staggered across the UK and has pledged to work with the Government.
Last September the government introduced tougher regulations on term-time absence for holidays.
Heads were previously able to grant up to 10 days of leave a year for family holidays in "special circumstances" but now they can only authorize absence during term time under "exceptional circumstances".
Liverpool City Council has seen one of the biggest increases in the number of parents fined – up from 97 in the autumn term of 2012 to 250 in autumn 2013.
Ron Collinson, from the council, says the tougher measures have had a dramatic effect on raising attendance rates.
Diane
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