Hampshire parents face more than 14,000 fines for term-time holidays in one year
School holiday fines result in over £1 million paid for unauthorised absences.
Parents in Hampshire have faced more than 14,000 fines for taking holidays during school time, contributing to a total of over £1 million in payments for unauthorised absences last year.
Data from the Department for Education (DfE) reveals that term-time holiday fines accounted for 94% of all absence enforcement across Hampshire for the 2024/25 academic year.
The fines are set at £80 per parent per child if paid within 21 days, doubling to £160 if paid within 28 days.
Despite the large number, the total fines issued decreased by 2.8% compared to the previous year, contrasting with a national trend of a 4% increase.
Hampshire County Council distributed 10,677 penalty notices, a small increase from 10,559 in 2023/24.
In contrast, both Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council reduced their figures, with Southampton issuing 1,996 fines, down from 2,228, and Portsmouth 2,008 fines, a decrease from 2,324.
Portsmouth has the highest rate of penalty notices at 9.1 per 100 pupil enrolments, followed by Southampton with 7.2 and Hampshire with 6.4.
At the conclusion of the school year, 2,139 cases were unresolved, with Hampshire County Council accounting for 1,243 and Southampton City Council for 896.
Approaches to prosecution differed between councils.
Portsmouth and Hampshire pursued court action for unpaid fines, with 198 and 162 prosecutions, respectively.
Southampton City Council has not pursued prosecutions for three years.
Cllr Amanda Barnes-Andrews from Southampton City Council highlighted the use of the National Framework for Penalty Notices for unauthorised absences and stated that the focus is on persistent cases.
She said: “Research indicates that students with good attendance experience achieve better academic outcomes and improved wellbeing.”
The delays in the single justice process and limited court availability have affected prosecutions in Southampton, according to Barnes-Andrews.
A Hampshire County Council spokesperson pointed out that absence can impact children’s wellbeing and progress, stating: “There is well-documented research which shows that gaps in school attendance can adversely impact on a child’s wellbeing, learning and progress.”
Both councils rely on DfE statutory guidance for headteachers when authorising term-time absences.
The Hampshire spokesperson emphasized the importance of working closely with schools to support children's education: "We work hard with schools and families to understand the root cause of serious attendance issues and to identify appropriate support and solutions.”
They also noted that fines are considered as a last resort after exploring all other support possibilities.