TV star Anna Maxwell Martin has supported a campaign calling for the abolition of fines for school absences, describing them as "cruel and unnecessary". The campaign, led by parents including Susan Liverman and Maddie Roberts, delivered a petition with over 290,000 signatures to Downing Street, arguing that families of vulnerable children facing attendance difficulties should not be penalised. The campaign highlights the pressure and distress caused by unauthorised absence fines, which increased from £60 to £80 in 2024, with potential court action and fines up to £2,500 for repeated offences.
The Department for Education acknowledged challenges in the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system and emphasised ongoing reforms backed by £4 billion investment to improve inclusion and support. While maintaining that fixed penalty notices remain important, the DfE stated schools should prioritise a support-first approach for children facing barriers to attendance. The debate reflects wider concerns about balancing enforcement with support for vulnerable families.
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Source: Bedford Today news. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.