The staggering amount of fines dished out to Bolton parents for taking term-time holidays signals a "worrying increase", according to a councilor.

From information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, The Bolton News can exclusively reveal that 6953 term-time holiday fines were issued in the year leading up to September 2024.

From August 2024, the fine for taking your kids out of school to jet off somewhere increased to £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days.

This marks the first increase since 2012 and is in line with inflation, the Government say.

If a parent receives a second fine for the same child within any three-year period, the amount will be bumped to a hefty £160. 

READ MORE: Parents face higher fines for school absences as part of attendance drive

Majority of parents not deterred by fines for term-time family holidays – survey

Two fines within a three-year-period could spell other action like a parenting order or prosecution will be considered. 

If you have to attend court, it could mean a fine of up to £2,500. 

Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said: “Any time off school can be disruptive to a child’s education. 

“The vast majority of pupils in Bolton have an excellent attendance record and we recognise the efforts of so many parents to ensure their children attend school regularly.

“However, over recent years we have seen a worrying increase in the amount of absence from school for family holidays.  

“A family holiday in term time can be disruptive, as children are unprepared for lessons that build on the teaching they have missed, which can result in them under achieving.

“This is a situation that we all have a responsibility to avoid.

“Bolton Council and schools will continue to work closely together to ensure our children can achieve the best possible outcomes.”

Robert Poole, assistant district secretary Bolton National Education Union, said: "As an education union we of course know the the best place for students is in school.

"That being said it is easy to understand why parents feel the need to take holidays in term time. Fines clearly do not work and affect low income families disproportionately.

"What is needed is action by the government to put an end to profiteering by holiday companies."

The funds raised from fines go back to the local authority to cover costs of "administering the system and to fund attendance support," the Government adds. 

Any extra cash goes back to Whitehall.