Family holiday fine calculator reveals true cost of taking your kids away next month
Many families may be eyeing up a last-minute getaway with their children to make the most of the summer - and some may even be considering cutting slightly into the school term.
Parents risk getting hit with a significant fine for making a money-saving holiday decision. The end of summer is fast approaching, and with it is the start of the new school term.
Many families may be eyeing up a last-minute getaway with their children to make the most of the summer, and some may even be considering cutting slightly into the start of school. But a travel guru has warned that unauthorised absences can bring significant financial penalties.
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Alvaro Iturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, comments:
“As the new school year begins, many parents may be deciding to squeeze in one last trip to extend the summer break. With peak prices dropping outside of the holiday season, it can be tempting to travel during school term time to save some money.
"While families might think the savings are worthwhile, the financial consequences can be much higher than anticipated.
“Fines for unauthorised absences are issued per parent, per child. What might start as a £80 fine can quickly rise to £160 for a two-parent household, and the costs multiply further for families with more than one child.
"In cases of repeated absences, councils also have the power to pursue legal action."
The firm has a school fines calculator showing how much those who break the rules could face in fines.
In England, each parent could be fined up to £160 for each child they're responsible for, even if they're not going on the trip. However, this comes down to £80 per child if paid within three weeks, according to the site.
In Wales is £120 per child for each parent, dropping to £60 per child, if paid within 21 days.
In Northern Ireland, each parent could be fined up to £1,000 in a magistrates court for each child they're responsible for, the insurance portal says.
