Schools have been told they can change term dates to help families avoid paying extortionate holiday costs during school breaks.
David Cameron’s official spokesman said: “We understand the cost pressures that hardworking families can face.
“I think the right thing is for schools to have the freedom to set their own term dates in conjunction with parents.”
The move comes after the number of signatures on an e-petition calling for an end to rip-off holiday costs during school breaks reached 170,000.
Paul Cookson, a loving father, sparked the debate on school holiday prices when his rant on the subject went viral.
He wrote that he was "sick to death" of being "ripped off" by companies which put up holiday prices outside school term time, asking why parents should be penalised for doing the right thing and not taking their children away during term time.
Over 143,000 people shared the debate and an e-petition, entitled 'Stop holiday companies charging extra in school holidays' quickly began to attract signatures.
Signed by over 165,000 people, the e-petition gas called for the government to "cap" prices during the school holidays - and it has become the fifth most signed petition since the government set up its e-petitions website.
Signed by over 170,000 people, the e-petition gas called for the government to "cap" prices during the school holidays - and it has become the fifth most signed petition since the government set up its e-petitions website.
The Association of British Travel Agents has said the travel industry "would welcome" staggering of school holiday dates to avoid high demand in short periods.
This would mean that demand for holidays would go down and instead would be spread out, so holiday companies will not have peak times (meaning increased prices) and ensure there is a more stable market for travel firms.
However some parents have pointed out that staggering holidays would not be fair on those with children at different schools.
What do you think of holiday firms increasing prices during school holidays? Do you think staggering term-times is a good solution? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments Box below now.