PLANS to dish out harsher financial penalties to parents whose children miss school due to unauthorised absences have been backed by Barnsley Council bosses.

Ruling cabinet members signed off on ‘last resort’ legislation which will come into force from September at a meeting on Wednesday.

It paves the way for fines to rise from £60 to £80 if paid within 21 days or £160 if not paid within 28 days.

Coun Trevor Cave, cabinet spokesperson for children’s services, said: “It is not an attack on parents - every day a child spends out of school is one that cannot be replaced.

“This is the only way to deter people in order to stop the cycle.

“This new legislation is there to help, because children ought to be in school.”

Local schools and police have been consulted on the revised code of conduct for issuing penalty notices.

Carly Speechley, executive director for children’s services, added: “We are committed to making sure that all children and young people in the borough have access to high-quality education and achieve their full potential.

“Poor school attendance can have a negative impact on academic achievement, social development, and future prospects for young people.

“By working together, we can make sure that our children receive the best possible education.”