Monmouthshire Council has tightened its policy on fining parents for taking children out of school during term time, with fixed penalty notices (FPNs) to be introduced from the start of the 2026/27 academic year.
Fines and penalties
Parents face fines of £60, rising to £120 if not paid within 28 days, and could be prosecuted for non-payment or if there is a recurring pattern of unauthorised absence.
Background and context
The move comes as councils and schools face pressure to address stubborn absenteeism since the pandemic. Schools inspectorate Estyn recently warned it would take a decade at the current rate to return attendance to pre-Covid levels. More than 500 parents were fined across Wales in the Easter term, with over 100 prosecutions, according to data obtained by WalesOnline.
Council statement
A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson said: "From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, Monmouthshire County Council will begin preparing for the introduction of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for unauthorised term-time holidays where requests do not meet the exceptional circumstances criteria set out in Welsh Government guidance and the council's attendance and engagement policy." The council said attendance rates in Monmouthshire schools "remain strong" but improving attendance has been a key focus.
Criticism from opposition
Conservative group leader Councillor Richard John criticised the decision, claiming it was made without democratic debate or formal policy change. He said the change was announced in a letter to parents on the final day of term without scrutiny by cabinet, full council, or scrutiny committee. He argued the council's own attendance policy describes FPNs as a last resort only in extreme cases, and that the new approach may conflict with that policy. He also noted that parents in industries like agriculture, tourism, and hospitality may have limited flexibility for holidays.
Council response to criticism
Responding to Cllr John, Monmouthshire Council said: "Schools and the council will continue to work closely and constructively with families, and all requests for leave during term time will continue to be considered in line with Welsh Government guidance and the council's established policy, criteria and guidance. As part of this process, we will engage with schools and elected members through cabinet, full council and scrutiny committee meetings to ensure stakeholders are informed and involved as preparations progress."
Letter to parents
Will McLean, Monmouthshire's strategic director for children, learning, skills and economy, wrote to parents explaining the reasons for stricter absence enforcement. He said: "Every day in school matters, and even small improvements in attendance can have a significant impact on a child's learning, confidence and future opportunities." He added that holidays should be taken during school holiday periods, and that from the 2026–27 academic year the council will prepare for introducing FPNs. He said he would write again in September with further information.
