PARENTS in just one city have been fined a record £1million for taking children out of school in term time.
The penalties were dished out by Bradford council putting the West Yorks city top of the national truancy league.
The £914,907 in fines covers three school years from autumn 2021 to the present, a survey by Legal Expert reveals.
The 12,634 fines dished out in Bradford this year were almost four times the total in 2021.
Councillor Sue Duffy said: “We want all children to attend school as regularly as possible so they have the best chance to receive the education they deserve.
“In Bradford district, the rate of children missing school due to unauthorised leave is more than twice the national average.
“This is reflected in the number of fixed penalty notices we issue at the request of headteachers.
“No one wants to fine parents, but children’s education must come first.
“Where there are barriers to regular attendance, families are offered support to overcome them and get the child back in school.
“However, the vast majority – about 90% – of fines are issued for term time holidays.
“Improving school attendance remains a top priority for everyone working with children in Bradford district as poor attendance can negatively impact young people’s academic achievement, social development and future prospects.”
Repeat offenders can end up in court, facing fines of up to £2,500.
