Parents fined more than £1 million for term time holidays

But figures show huge discrepancies between councils for the amount of fines collected – with Walsall Council picking up almost £230,000,Wolverhampton around £128,000 and Sandwell just £39,000.

Figures released today show more than 22,000 parents have were issued with the £60 charge over the last five years in the West Midlands – with more than 2,000 being taken to court because of their child's low attendance.

The number of fines generally increased annually until last year when many authorities stopped issuing them amid a High Court legal challenge that eventually failed.

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show Walsall Council has collected £227,310 in fines since 2012/13. Wolverhampton council made £128,200, Dudley £44,100, and Sandwell £39,120. Staffordshire County Council collected £102,080 over the past two years.

Sandwell council has taken 817 parents to court since 2012/13, the most in the region according to the figures. Fines collected in court rather than through fixed penalty notices go to the Treasury rather than the council.

Walsall Council issued more than 5,000 fines over the last five years but only took 55 parents to court. Wolverhampton council took 119 to court while Dudley council did not provide the figures. Staffordshire has taken 184 parents to court over the past two years.

The councils were today described as carrying out 'scandalous money grabbing' by campaigner Sarah Quarmby, who compiled the data after submitting the FOI.

The Liberal Democrat said: "Many parents have no choice when to take their holidays. People in some jobs have to work all through the summer at the height of the tourism season. Others simply cannot afford to go on holiday at peak times, when the cost of holidays goes through the roof. So, it's vitally important to offer more flexibility to schools and head teachers to help families who need to take a break together.

“We believe that headteachers should be allowed to grant up to 10 days of term-time absence in special circumstances".

Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said the authority had to enforce the law but called on headteachers to use 'discretion' where possible.

He said: "We understand the financial pressures on parents taking children on holiday during half term and school holidays. Headteachers do have a limited amount of discretion that they should use sensibly and when appropriate.”

By law all children aged between five and 16 must receive a 'suitable full-time education'.

Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances, according to the law.

A fine of £60 is issued for taking a child out of school for an unauthorised attendance, increasing to £120 if not paid within 21 days. If the fine is not paid it will lead to a hearing in the magistrates' court and may result in a fine of up to £1,000.