Freedom of information response
School absence fines
I am writing to you under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request the following information regarding fines handed out to parents for taking their children out of school without permission.
I am looking for information for the school year so far (from Sept until now) and for the last two academic school years, please - 2022-2023 and 2021-2022.
1. How many schools are in your area?
2. How many fines have been handed out to parents for taking their children out of school without permission?
3. How much money has been collected from these fines, per academic year and this academic year so far?
4. How much is the average fine in the local area for taking children out of school without permission?
1. 54
2. 2021/22 =1166 2022/23 = 1820 2023/2024 = 861
3. 2021/22 = £60240.00 2022/23 = £107880.00 2023/2024 = £38220
4. There is no average. The ‘Fine’ is a penalty Notice and the amount is set by the Department for education at £60.00 per parent, per child. If the penalty is not paid within 21 days of issue it doubles to £120 per parent per child. There are a further 7 days to pay the penalty in full after which the local authority must progress the case to prosecution under Section 444(1)(a) of the Education Act 1996.