£1.4 Million in Fines for Parents Taking Children out of School

Parents in Manchester have been fined over £1.4 million in the past three years for taking children out of school without permission, with more than 20,000 fines issued between 2022 and 2024. The number of fines rose steadily each year, hitting over 8,000 in 2024 alone.

The council emphasises the link between school attendance and academic success. Fines start at £80, doubling to £160 if unpaid within 21 days. New rules mean parents can only be fined twice for the same child in three years; a third offense can lead to court action, larger fines (up to £2,500), community orders, or even jail time.