School absence fines for parents to rise by £20

Parents who allow their children to miss school without a valid reason are set to face higher fines in the UK, as the government announces an increase of £20 to the current penalty.

The new fine will be £60 per parent, per child, if paid within 21 days. After this period, the fine will double to £120.

This change is part of the government’s efforts to crack down on truancy and improve overall attendance rates in schools. Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, stated that regular attendance at school is crucial for children’s academic success and social development.

Parents are encouraged to ensure their children attend school regularly and to seek permission from the school authorities in case of unavoidable absences. Excessive unexplained absences could result in legal action being taken against the parents.

It is hoped that the increased fines will serve as a deterrent to parents who may be tempted to allow their children to skip school without a valid reason.