PARENTS in East Lancashire could have their child benefit cut or face larger fines if their children play truant, it has been announced.

The new measures have been recommended by Charlie Taylor, a government advisor, to reduce the number of unauthorised absences and if approved local authorities would be forced to implement the initiative.

But education bosses in East Lancashire have said they would prefer not to ‘punish’ parents but instead want to focus on getting children into school through more positive methods.

Unions have also said that deducting even more money from families could have ‘huge’ financial repercussions.

Blackburn with Darwen and Lancashire have both seen the numbers of youngsters who play truant increase from last year.

During 2010-2011, 97 school days were missed by children playing truant in Blackburn with Darwen compared to 82 in 2009-2010.

And children in schools in Lancashire County Council missed 575 days in 2010-2011 up five from 2009-2010.

Frances Molloy, school attendance lead for Lancashire County Council, said: “Good school attendance continues to be a very high priority for the county council.

Schools try to engage with parents before absenteeism becomes a serious problem and support is available from schools and the local authority for parents who are experiencing difficulties.

“We have a duty to consider whether prosecution is required in order to ensure a child's right to an education. How fines should be collected would be a decision for central government to make.

“However, our aim throughout is not to punish parents but to ensure that children and young people attend school and receive a good education.”

National executive and Blackburn with Darwen branch secretary Simon Jones said: “Persistent truancy is obviously a problem. However it is not an issue that will be solved by fining parents.

“Deducting money from child benefit will have huge financial repercussions for many families. Having less money for food and bills will simply create a whole new set of problems.

“Parents need to be part of the solution and not be further alienated from the education of their children.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council was unavailable for comment.