The Pembrokeshire public is likely to be asked for their opinions on fines for holidays and unauthorised absence during school term time.

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said that after a review of the penalty notices in July, a consultation is likely to take place in the near future.

"Pembrokeshire has reviewed the document and several significant changes have been identified," said the spokesman, who declined to elaborate on what those changes were.

He added that a consultation on those changes was likely in the future.

"There will be an opportunity for people to contribute to these discussions through consultation, once there is approval from the cabinet to proceed with the consultation," he said.

He added that the consultation proposals were likely to go before cabinet in the next couple of months but that there was no definite date as yet.

The spokesman said that the All Wales Attendance Framework allowed head teachers to authorise up to ten days for holidays in term time in 'special' circumstances and that Pembrokeshire was working in accordance with Welsh Government regulations.

"Parents do not have an automatic right to withdraw their child from school for a holiday and, in law, have to ask permission in advance," he said.

Penalty notices can be issued by the council to the parents of children who are of statutory school age at the request of the school or the police.

They can be issued when a child misses ten sessions, or five days, in one term without the school's permission and when this brings the overall pupil attendance to below 90%. The five days do not have to be consecutive. Fines can also be issued for persistent lateness.

The £60 fine increases to £120 if not paid within 28 days. Councils can prosecute if the fine is not paid within 42 days.

More information on penalty notices for attendance can be found at: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?nav=101,988,2102&parent_directory_id=646&id=30791&Language=