Fines for taking children out of school during term time in England are set to increase from today, the Government has confirmed.
After it was reported that nearly 400,000 penalty notices for unauthorised school absences were issued in England from 2022-23 – which was apparently much higher than pre-pandemic levels – the former Conservative Government revealed back in February its plans to “improve attendance” following a worldwide rise in absence and persistent absence.
According to Department for Education (DfE) figures released last December, almost nine in 10 (89.3%) of the fines issues were for unauthorised holidays, generally booked by families looking for cheaper off-peak trips.
Up until this point, the former Government’s plan to improve attendance has already included a number of new measures – including the expansion of so-called ‘attendance hubs’ nationally, the piloting of attendance mentors, and a national awareness campaign said to be aimed at “helping parents”.
But now, the rise in absence fines is set to be the next next measure.
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From the first day of term to the last, the small moments in a school day make a real difference to your child.
Today we've announced further changes to help reduce avoidable absences.
As of today (19 August 2024), parent fines for unauthorised absences will be brought under a national framework to “help tackle inconsistencies in their use”, according to the Government.
Under the new plans, a fine to parents must be considered if a child misses five days of school for unauthorised absence, and alongside this, costs for fines will go up from £60 to £80 if paid within 21 days, and from £120 to £160 if paid in 28 days.
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The former Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, said this rise in fines will ensure all parents are aware of when they might face a fine, and ensure all local Councils are issuing fines “appropriately”.
Plans for the increasing of school absence fines were met with mixed reviews when first announced back in February, with a handful of critics pointing out potential issues with the measure – notably Paul Whiteman, who is the General Secretary of school leaders’ union, NAHT.
Fines for taking kids out of school during term time go up from today / Credit: gov.uk
When the plans were first announced, Mr Whiteman said that introducing a consistent national framework for fines “makes sense”, as there is currently a “significant variation” between how and when local authorities issue fines to parents.
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But he did, however, state that he believes many parents will likely not respond well to the new measure.
Mr Whiteman said: “Parents will likely be surprised that, at a time when schools are struggling to find enough teachers to teach classes, when buildings are crumbling, and when we are in the middle of a crisis in special needs provision, that the Government is choosing to focus on increasing fines for parents.
“Good attendance is obviously critically important, but fines have long proven to be too blunt a tool and largely ineffective at improving persistent absence.”
Featured Image – gov.uk
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AO Arena are hosting an ‘Evening 4’ Ricky Hatton in memory of the legendary Manchester boxer
Danny Jones
Manchester is set to host a night of remembrance and celebration in honour of the late, great, local boxer, Ricky Hatton.
Coming this summer, the AO Arena – where Hatton enjoyed so many of his iconic moments – will be holding the first-ever ‘Evening4Ricky’ later this year.
Held at the legendary sports and live entertainment venue just in time for summer, we still know very little about what the actual event will entail.
Sharing the news on social media, AO Arena said: “Join us for an unforgettable night of entertainment as Manchester comes together for Evening4Ricky.
“This will be a spectacular, unique celebration of the life, spirit and legacy of one of the city’s most beloved icons – Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.”
With seats priced at £25, fans are being encouraged to join the early bird sign-up to secure access to discounted tickets.
They go on to add: “Hosted at the legendary AO Arena, home to so many of Ricky’s big fights, featuring a superstar cast of legends from the worlds of boxing, music, comedy and entertainment.”
So, we do at least know there’ll be some famous faces coming along to help make it a memorable Manc moment, just a few months on from the city and beyond uniting for his public funeral procession.
Ricky was beloved not only by the Greater Manchester community but was a popular figure and friend to many in the sporting and showbiz industries.
The homegrown ‘Pride of Hyde‘ tragically left us on 14 September 2025 at the age of just 46, but his passing has once again helped reassert the importance of having more conversations around wellbeing, suicide prevention, and most specifically, men’s mental health.
You can find more information and see how to grab tickets right HERE.
This isn’t the only charitable in memoriam event happening across the region in the coming weeks, either, as Mancs will be gathering to pay tribute to another fellow inspiring sportsman.
Man jailed for stalking, strangling, and raping woman in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A man has been jailed this week for several offences including rape, strangulation and stalking while living in Manchester.
Jack-Leland Webster – previously Jack Malone – of Cedar Road, Earl Shilton in Leicester, appeared at Manchester Crown Court and was sentenced yesterday (8 April 2026) after being found guilty of rape and strangulation, following pleaded guilty to stalking the victim at a previous hearing.
The incidents took place back in June2024, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained, when Webster had accused the victim of cheating with her ex-boyfriend.
The victim had been in communication with her ex after he had reached out to her to let her know he was ‘concerned’ after he found out that Webster had been impersonating him to message the victim and test her loyalty throughout their relationship.
As the victim attempted to exit the flat, Webster blocked the doorways to prevent her from leaving. He then proceeded to get on top of the victim and while he strangled her, said: “Don’t make me kill you. If you do, I’ll have to kill myself so we can be dead together,” before proceeding to sexually assault her.
While on bail, Webster purchased numerous fake social media accounts to follow and contact the victim, as well as her family and her friends, which was in breach of his no contact conditions. On one occasion, the victim was followed by over 100 accounts on a social media platform in a matter of seconds.
During police interviews, Webster denied all charges against him.
When an officer tried to arrange his second interview, Webster was described as being ‘obstructive’ and even told the officer to “pick me up from KFC” and “catch me if you can”.
“Webster showed no remorse throughout the investigation and treated it as a game,” GMP said following his sentencing.
As mentioned, Webster pleaded guilty to stalking before he went to trial, where a jury found him guilty of rape and strangulation. And then Wednesday 8 April 2026 at Manchester Crown Court, he was sentenced tonine years and five months in prison.
He has also been given an indefinite restraining order.
Emily Sergeant -
19th August 2024 
