Plans to bring Angus “tattie holidays” into line with Dundee and Perth and Kinross have been postponed.
Angus Council officers proposed pushing the traditional October school holidays back seven days, to the second and third weeks in the month, in line with neighbouring local authorities.
But children and learning committee convener Sheena Welsh admitted a consultation of Angus parents did not clear up whether this would be welcome.
She said at a meeting in Forfar: “We did get responses from 11 parent councils. Although they do wonderful jobs, they don’t always reflect the views of all the parents, who we need to take into account.”
Only 49 responses were received: 37 from school staff groups, 11 parent councils and one from a trade union.
Some 85% of respondents agreed with keeping the first two weeks of October as the school holiday.
Councillor Brian Boyd said he believed the first week in October is the only time some families can afford to go on holiday, but parents need to air their views.
He said: “There have been national campaigns promoting staggering the school holidays to help cash-strapped parents get the chance to take their children on holiday.
“There are countless families who can’t afford a summer holiday and dash off the minute October holidays start.
“I was on a website this morning and a flight taking a family of five to Majorca was going to cost £805. The following week (the cost) was £1,570.
“It’s the same with hotels or caravan parks up in Tummel Valley.”
Conversely, Councillor Sheila Hands said she thought some parents would welcome alignment with Dundee and Perth and Kinross holidays.
She said: “I think, for some parents, looking at issues of childcare and bringing together holidays with other local authorities close by would be welcome.”
Councillor David May agreed with deferring the decision, as there was no “evidential base” for moving the holiday.