David Ruffley MP has expressed his concern at new Government figures, released last week by the Department for Education and Skills, which show that the number of unauthorised absences from Suffolk secondary and middle schools has increased from 1.29 percent of half days missed in 2004/05 to 1.37 percent in 2005/06.

But across England as a whole the number of unauthorised absences from secondary schools FELL from 1.23 percent of half days missed in 2004/05 to 1.22 percent in 2005/06.

Worse, Suffolk has the highest level of unauthorised absences of all the counties in the East of England and is well above the regional average of 1.05 percent of half days missed.

David has today written to Councillor Patricia O'Brien, Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Young People's Services at Suffolk County Council, highlighting the problem in Suffolk and asking what steps are being taken to address the issue.

David said:

'It is clear from these new figures that we have a problem with School truancy in Suffolk.

'Across the rest of England there has been a slight decrease in the number of unauthorised absences yet we in Suffolk have seen an increase and have a level of truancy well above the regional and national average.

'There is no reason to my mind why Suffolk should have a higher rate of truancy than neighbouring counties in the East of England.

'Therefore I have today raised the issue with Councillor Patricia O'Brien, Suffolk County Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Schools and Young People's Services, asking what steps the Council is taking to address this worrying trend.'