SFG20 is the industry standard for building maintenance, offering comprehensive maintenance schedules, accessed via cutting-edge software, Facilities-iQ.
LGA rejects ‘blanket ban’ on term-time holidays
The Local Government Association (LGA) has rejected a ‘blanket ban’ on parents taking their children out of school in order to go on holiday, following a recent High Court ruling.
The LGA dismissed the ruling as unenforceable and has called for a ‘sensible solution whereby every family has the option to spend time together’. The news comes after Jon Platt won a High Court victory after refusing to pay a penalty for taking his child out of school for a week’s holiday.
Commenting on the ruling, the LGA said: “Children's education is treated with the upmost seriousness, but it is clear that the current system does not always favour families, especially those that are struggling to meet the demands of modern life or have unconventional work commitments.
“There has to be a sensible solution whereby every family has the option to spend time together when they choose to, rather than tying families to set holiday periods.”
It added: “While councils fully support the Department for Education's stance on every child being in school every day, there are occasions when parental requests should be given individual consideration and a common sense approach applied.”
Latest News
12/05/2025 - 11:22
Scottish first minister John Swinney has announced that the government's cost of living guarantee will help to deliver vital support for the pe
12/05/2025 - 09:37
The government has announced plans to end international recruitment for care workers.
09/05/2025 - 11:43
Following last week's local elections, the political proportionality of the Local Government Association (LGA) has been confirmed.
09/05/2025 - 11:19
A £25 million road refurbishment programme is set to begin, funding 22 projects across Wales’ strategic road network.
09/05/2025 - 10:48
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is to announce that City Hall is considering releasing part of London’s green belt to enable development.
Company Focus
Event Diary
Following a period of remarkable growth and momentum, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live is making a powerful move—relocating its southern edition to the iconic London Olympia on 18–19 June 2025.
Housing 2025 is coming to Manchester Central on 24-26 June. Welcoming everyone in the housing and wider living sector under one roof, As the only place the whole UK housing sector comes together every year, it is where the sector will discuss and collaborate, identify solutions and speak with one voice to those framing the debate.
In January 2025, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology announced a new ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ to encourage an increase in AI adoption across the UK. What will the Government’s plans for AI mean for local authority teams? How will emerging technologies affect environmental health services in the future?
Supplier Profiles
At Words of World, we specialise in professional translation and interpreting, d
Experience and unforgettable 1 hour journey through maritime history and breathtaking landscapes.
Latest Features
As public sector facilities face increasing demands for efficiency, transparency, and sustainability, facilities management is undergoing a data-driven transformation. Dr. Matt Tucker, director of research at the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), explores why the sector needs a data revolution and introduces the emerging concept of the FM Analyst.
As the UK races to improve the energy efficiency of its ageing housing stock, retrofit measures such as cavity wall, external wall, and spray foam insulation offer potential benefits -- but can also bring unitended consequnces, including damp, mould, and structural damage. This article by the Property Care Association (PCA) explores why careful planning and expert oversight are essential to ensure retrofits deliver on their promises without creating new problems
