More fines handed out as pupils miss school time

ON-THE-SPOT fines for parents taking their children out of school for term-time holidays have risen in one part of Wales.

- BY TWM OWEN & CONOR GOGARTY

Figures show the use of fixed penalty notices for Torfaen parents accused of taking their children out of school, or other unauthorised absences, have increased by 11% in a year.

During the 2024-25 financial year, which ended in March, Torfaen council had 261 requests from schools to issue such fines. They are normally handed out when someone admits responsibility and as a way of avoiding the costly process of a prosecution.

The figure represented a rise of 26 on 2023-24, which was the first year the council introduced the £120 fines. The amount reduces to £60 for parents who pay within 60 days.

Some fines were withdrawn by the council when further information came to light, such as the involvement of “other key services.” But of the 261 issued last year, only 11 were withdrawn.