THERE were more than 3,000 unauthorised absences from Devon schools last year, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has shown.

The fines issued for the 3,706 absences in 2024 saw Devon County Council (DCC) raise £196,060, the FOI shows.

In 2023, there were 3,288 unauthorised absences, which saw DCC generate £162,780 from fines.

September 2024 saw school absence fines rise from £60 to £80, with parents who receive a second fine for the same child within a three-year period receiving a £160 fine.