Nearly 400,000 penalty notices were issued in England in 2022-23 for unauthorised school absences, much higher than pre-pandemic levels.
•Fines are now increasing from £60 to £80, rising to £160 if unpaid within 21 days, rather than £120.
•If the same parent is fined again within a three-year period, the fine stands at £160 from the start.
•A third penalty notice cannot be given in this time – instead, “alternative action” should be considered, which would likely include prosecution and could include a fine up to £2500.
