England records surge in term-time holiday fines as penalties rise to £80

England issued a record 459,288 fines for term-time holidays in 2024-25, up 4% from the previous year, with fines rising to £80 per parent per child and accounting for 93% of unauthorised absences. Regional rates vary, with Yorkshire and the Humber highest and London lowest. The government says fines protect learning, while critics argue they are blunt and often ineffective, though some families have successfully appealed or received exemptions (e.g., military cases).