Number of term-time holiday fines double in county

The number of fines issued to parents in Hertfordshire has more than doubled as has the total value of the fines

The number of fines issued to parents in a county who took their children on a term-time holiday has more than doubled in the last two years.

Hertfordshire County Council issued 2,887 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) in 2024-25 compared with 1,292 FPNs in 2023-24, according to data requested by Local Democracy Reporting Service

As part of government changes implemented in August 2024, FPNs are given when a child registers 10 unauthorised half-day school absences, or five days.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: "We are sure that the parents of Hertfordshire want the best education for their children."

The fines amounted to the authority receiving more than £240,000 in 2024-25 and £106,000 in 2023-24.

With the prices of holidays, accommodation and flights increasing in school holidays, many families are tempted by the lower costs of term-time vacations.

Since the change in national guidance parents can no longer take their children out of school for a week's holiday without the risk of a fine – which they could have done previously when fines were triggered by 15 unauthorised half-day school absences.

The fine for a first FPN is £80 per parent per child, £20 higher than in 2023-24.

For a person who breaches attendance rules for a second time in any three-year period, the fine rises to £160 per parent per child.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: "By taking family holidays during the school holiday periods, the parents of Hertfordshire will be supporting their children's full school attendance, learning and development."