Parents pay the price for cheaper holidays

BIRMINGHAM FAMILIES GIVEN MORE THAN 25,000 PENALTIES IN TWO YEARS

- JAMES CARTLEDGE News Reporter

PARENTS are paying the price of fun in the sun while their kids should be in school.

Families across England and Wales paid a combined £41m in fines for taking children out of school during term time, new data has revealed.

Birmingham households were among the most penalised, with more than 25,600 penalties issued between 2022 and 2024 - the fourth highest number.

In England, the fine is £80 if paid within 21 days, rising to £1600 if paid within 28 days.

But it’s easy to see why so many families opt to take the punishment while still saving big money on a sunshine break during term time.