Penalty Notice Information
There is new legislation that came into force from 19th August 2024, that will impact how Local Authorities and schools issue Penalty Notices (fines) for unauthorised absences.
- 10 unauthorised absences (2 sessions = 1 day -AM & PM) in a rolling 10 week period.
- Penalty notices will be issued to BOTH parents per child.
- The first penalty notice issued to each parent will be charged at £160 if paid within 28 days. This will be reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.
- If the threshold is met a second time in three years and a second penalty notice is issued to the same parent in relation to the same child this will be a flat rate of £160 if paid within 28 days.
- A third penalty notice cannot be issued to the same parent in respect of the same child within 3 years of the date of issue of the first. In a case where the national threshold is met for a third time within those 3 years, alternative action will be taken. This will often result in prosecution.
