Parents of truants fined in clampdown

New powers to fine parents of truant pupils have already been used 40 times, it emerged today.

Five local education authorities have issued 40 truancy fines since they were introduced at the end of February as an alternative to prosecution, government officials said.

If paid in 28 days, the fine is ?50, rising to ?100 between 28 and 42 days. If parents refuse to pay after 42 days, they face prosecution and possibly jail.

LEAs and headteachers can fine parents of truants under the 2003 Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

Heads may also fine parents who take children out of school during term time without permission.

The Education Department said the first fines had been issued not by heads but by LEAs. Heads' unions have warned the policy could make parents even more unco-operative.

Birmingham has issued 24 "penalty notices" and Rotherham nine. A government spokesman said: "Half of all truants apprehended by police are accompanied by parents."