Local Authority News
2/10/2023
Licensing scheme for short-term lets Effective from Today
The new licensing scheme for short-term lets has come into force across Scotland. The legislation, which aims to deal with the rapid growth of Airbnb-style properties, has been subject to numerous delays and consultations.2/10/2023
Chance To Comment On Review Of Highland Polling Districts And Places
The Returning Officer, The Highland Council's CEX Derek Brown, said: "It is important that our polling places are in appropriate locations and can cater for everyone, especially those with particular needs. "We want to hear any concerns people may have and particularly want the views of those with an interest in accessibility.".
29/9/2023
Highland Council - Tain & Easter Ross By-election Result - Independent Win
The by-election to elect a councillor to represent Ward 7 - Tain and Easter Ross on The Highland Council has been won by Maureen Ross (Independent) who was one of seven candidates who contested the vacancy. One of three seats in the Tain and Easter Ross ward became vacant on the resignation of Sarah Rawlings (Scottish Libertal Democrat).
26/9/2023
Highland Skills Challenge Fund - Still Time To Apply
Following a successful on-line briefing session, The Highland Council is reminding businesses that there is still time to apply for funding to develop their green skills. At the start of September The Highland Council, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, launched the Highland Skills Challenge Fund to support businesses with the costs of green skills training for their workforce.24/9/2023
Unlocking Growth - SME Debt Finance Roadshow
At a time when the debt market is transforming, the British Business Bank is bringing a debt finance roadshow to the Highlands and Moray. In partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Highland Council, the roadshow is a hands-on event tailored for SMEs looking to secure debt financing.
22/9/2023
Glass Recycling Update 22 September 2023
Following a period of disruption to the glass bottle and jar recycling service, The Highland Council, would like to provide an update to the public. The Council's glass collection contractor, Biffa Waste Services spokesperson said: "Due to an unforeseen resource issue we find ourselves falling short of the required level of service expectations we provide to the Highland Council.
21/9/2023
The Highland Council Growing Business Growth Fund
Businesses looking for financial support for their growth plans could be eligible for a Growing Business Growth Fund grant of up to £10,000. Applicants can potentially access 50% of the costs of their growth project.19/9/2023
Still Time To Apply For The First Decision Making Round Of The 2023/24 Nature Restoration Fund
The Highland Council have extended the deadline for applicants to apply for the first decision making round of the 2023/24 allocation of Nature Restoration Funding by 12 noon, Wednesday 4 October 2023. Chair of the Council's Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Eligible applicants can apply between £2,000 - £25,000 towards nature restoration projects.19/9/2023
Thurso High School Heating Oil Leak And River Thurso - Update 19 September
The Thurso High School heating oil leak investigation work continues to identify the cause and the extent of the leak. This involves considerable site analysis to enable The Highland Council to know the extent of the contamination and will inform the scale of the site clean-up.18/9/2023
Chief Social Work Officer 2022/23 Annual Report
The Highland Council's Chief Social Work Officer presented this year's annual report to Members. The report provides an informed view of some of the challenges and notable achievements from this year, and the impact that these will have on future service delivery.
14/9/2023
New Highland Youth Convener, Orla Macleod, Appointed For 2023-24
Orla MacLeod has taken up the role of Highland Youth Convener as of Monday 28th August 2023, becoming the 15th Youth Convener since 2007. This full-time role is a bursary position that will run for 12 months.
14/9/2023
Thurso High School - Heating Oil Leak Update 14 September
A Highland Council spokesperson said: "The Thurso High School heating oil leak investigation work continues to identify the cause and the extent of the leak. This involves considerable site analysis to enable us to know the extent of the contamination and will inform the scale of the site clean-up.14/9/2023
Community Council Elections 2023 - Still time to apply to be the voice of your community
The Highland Council is reminding anyone considering joining their local Community Council that there is still time to submit their nomination. This is your chance to help represent the views of your community to The Highland Council and other public agencies.
12/9/2023
Highland Skills Challenge Fund - An Opportunity For Businesses To Develop Their Green Skills
The Highland Council, with support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is inviting Highland businesses to apply for funding to support the costs of green skills training for their workforce. Cllr Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee explained: "This Challenge Fund has been set up to support Highland businesses who wish to invest in their workforce and develop their green skills.8/9/2023
Prioritising Homes For Living In - Council Tax On Second Homes To Double From April 24
Local authorities will be able to charge a premium of up to 100% on council tax for second homes under legislation aiming to increase the availability of housing. If approved by Parliament, the secondary legislation would bring second homes into line with long-term empty homes, which can already be subject to a 100% premium on the full rate of council tax.4/9/2023
Highland Council's New Chief Executive Welcomed
Derek Brown takes up the post of The Highland Council's Chief Executive from today, 4th September 2023. Derek comes to the Highlands with extensive experience in his previous roles as Deputy Chief Executive of North Lanarkshire Local Authority, a Professional Advisor on the National Improvement Framework, Derek started his career in teaching.
4/9/2023
Community Council Elections 2023 - Opportunity To Be The Voice Of Your Community
From Monday 4 September, nominations are invited from people seeking election to all Community Councils. This is your chance to help represent the views of your community to The Highland Council and other public agencies.
3/9/2023
Update On Projects To Maintain Burial Ground Capacity And Crematorium Services For The Highlands
A report was presented to members of the Communities and Place Committee yesterday (Thursday, 31 August) outlining a number of Bereavement Services projects currently being progressed to maintain burial ground capacity and crematorium services within the Highlands. The update focused on matters around the progress of burial ground extensions and also on work which has been commissioned to review the options for a cremator replacement at Inverness Crematorium.3/9/2023
Upcoming Changes To The Treatment Of Upholstered Furniture At Council Recycling Centres
Members of the Communities and Place Committee of Highland council were briefed on an imminent legislative change being brought forward by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), concerning the collection, storage and treatment of Upholstered Domestic Seating at Council facilities throughout the region. Currently the Council directs all Upholstered Furniture to landfill, however, yesterday's update outlined the operational and financial implications to the Council in adopting this legislative change and diverting Upholstered Furniture from landfill.26/8/2023
