Parents are unlikely to be deterred by fines when booking holidays during term time.
With potential savings far surpassing penalties, the government’s strategy may not succeed in changing family travel habits.
In response to the government’s plan to increase fines for unauthorised school absences, travel agents remain sceptical about its effectiveness. The fines, set to rise from £60 to £80 if paid within 21 days and from £120 to £160 if paid in 28 days, are not expected to deter parents from booking holidays during term time. Industry experts argue that the cost savings from term-time travel far outweigh the penalties imposed.
Agents suggest that parents will likely continue to calculate the financial benefits of term-time holidays over penalties. Travel expert Miles Morgan noted, “They will look at how much the fine is and how much the holiday is and take a view.” This sentiment is echoed across the industry, with the consensus being that the increased fines will not significantly alter parental decision-making. Many parents have already taken advantage of the substantial savings achievable by avoiding peak holiday periods. Additionally, a survey conducted by Go.Compare revealed that summer holidays cost on average £276 more per person compared to term-time travel.
Fred Olsen Travel’s Paul Hardwick pointed out that some families opt to take children out of school for just a couple of days, rather than an entire week. This approach allows them to avoid hefty fines while still benefiting from reduced travel costs. Parents aim to minimise educational disruption while maximizing developmental benefits that come from travel experiences. Families are increasingly valuing time spent together, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its importance.
Meanwhile, The Travel Network Group director Vim Vithaldas has indicated that parents’ behaviour concerning term-time holidays is unlikely to change unless the financial gap between fines and holiday savings diminishes significantly. Current fine structures do not present a substantial deterrent compared to the potential savings from traveling outside peak seasons.
Without stricter enforcement and alignment of penalties with actual holiday cost benefits, the trend of term-time travel is expected to persist. The industry’s collective stance suggests a call for policy adjustments that strike a balance between educational attendance and the economic realities of family travel.
The ongoing discourse on this issue highlights a disconnect between policy intentions and practical outcomes. As agents and parents continue to navigate this landscape, it becomes clear that addressing the root economic causes is pivotal. The debate underscores the need for policies which reflect the realities of travel economics and family priorities.
The current system of fines does not provide adequate financial deterrents to dissuade parents from term-time travel.
Industry insights suggest a need for policy reevaluation to bridge the gap between educational commitments and economic incentives.
