Local Authority News
20/2/2023
Multiply Challenge Fund Launched In Highland - Groups can apply for funding
The Highland Council has today (Monday 20 February 2023) launched the Highland Multiply Challenge Fund. Multiply is a new programme to help transform the lives of adults across the UK, by improving their functional numeracy and is part of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.20/2/2023
Highland Latest Town Centre Health Check Published
Read ow Highland owns are doing and see several graphs covering a range of topics. It is very clear that on a range of measures Wick has suffered more than most other towns in all categories between 2018 and 2022.19/2/2023
Caithness Jobs And How To Get Them - Event Back After The Covid Years
Join us on the 11th of March 2023 for Caithness' biggest and best jobs, careers, training and recruitment event. This event is free to attend and all are welcome! Meet real employers and hear about their industries and any vacancies they currently have.
17/2/2023
Many Schools Closed Today Due To The High Winds
Check if a school is closed on the Highland council web site. https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures.12/2/2023
Highland's Families First Strategy Approved By Members
A report setting out Highland's Children’s Services Families First strategy was presented to and approved by members of the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee (Thursday, 9 February 2023). The strategy’s vision is summarised simply as: "To safely ensure that children and young people remain with their families and within their Highland communities." It is also underpinned by a set of core principles of family support, which are outcome focused in preserving, protecting and upholding the rights of children within their families in the Highlands.7/2/2023
Safer Internet Day 2023
To mark Safer Internet Day 2023, the Council is providing individuals with advice and resources to equip them with essential knowledge to navigate the online world safely. Safer Internet Day is a global campaign which calls upon people to join together to make the internet a safer and better place for all, especially for children and young people.5/2/2023
Council And School Funding - After Health, Funding For Scottish Councils Is The Second Largest Item In The Scottish Government's Budget
After health, funding for Scottish councils is the second largest item in the Scottish Government's Budget. In the original 2022-23 budget as passed by the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government allocated £10.6 billion to councils as part of the main local government portfolio, with further funding from other portfolios increasing the amount initially provided in the annual local government finance settlement for resource (i.e.5/2/2023
Scottish Councils May Face Cuts Over The Next Two Years Even With 5% Council Tax Increases
Even if Scottish councils were to increase council tax by 5% a year in each of the next two years they may face real-terms cuts to their funding. New analysis by IFS researchers finds that even if Scottish councils were to increase council tax by 5% a year in each of the next two years (adding around £140 to the average band D tax bill), they may face real-terms cuts to their funding.4/2/2023
Local Visitor Levy Progress Update Discussed At Committee
The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee met (Thursday 2 February 2023) and received a progress update on the recommencement of the legislative process for the Local Visitor Levy Bill, including the likely timescales and implications for its introduction in Highland. Members agreed the Council’s proposed next steps, which include an offer to provide verbal and written evidence to the Scottish Government Parliamentary Committee(s).3/2/2023
Members Approve Highland Council's Delivery Plan For Utilising Grants From The Uk Shared Prosperity Fund
Members of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee today (2 February 2023) agreed the local authority’s Delivery Plan for funding received via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: "We welcome this significant funding, it important that, as a council, we move at pace to maximise the very real benefits this additional funding will bring.3/2/2023
Committee Updated On Recent Transport Consultations To Modernise And Improve The Local Transport Network
At a meeting of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee (Thursday 2 February) members were given an update on the next steps to be taken after an intensive period of public consultations for transport improvement projects, funded by the Scottish Government Bus Partnership Fund. The report presented to the committee follows on from the well-attended public joint consultation event held in Inverness last month which pulled together three of the four transport improvement studies currently underway.3/2/2023
Developing Scotland's International Cultural Presence
Survey launched to understand international interests and aspirations. A public survey to help develop an International Culture Strategy for Scotland has been launched by the Culture Secretary.2/2/2023
A' Chiad Tachartas Dhreuchdan Ann An Gàidhlig Do Phàrantan Is Luchd-cùraim
Tha Leasachadh Sgilean na h-Alba (SDS) a' tabhann a' chiad oideachadh-lìn aca a-riamh ann an Gàidhlig gus cuideachadh a thoirt do phàrantan is luchd-cùraim sgoilearan a tha a’ beachdachadh air an cànan ionnsachadh no a tha ag ionnsachadh a’ chànain gu làithreach. Bidh an seisean bhiortail (Diciadain 8 Gearran aig 6:30f) a’ co-roinn fiosrachadh mu sheirbheis dhreuchdan na h-Alba a thuilleadh air togail air na buannachdan co-cheangailte ri bhith ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig airson obraichean san àm ri teachd.31/1/2023
All Schools Closed In Highland Due To Industrial Action - Tuesday 31st January
As stated in previous weeks by the Highland Council, all schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday 31st January due to strike action by the EIS union. See https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures More Teacher Strikes Very Likely If No Settlement The EIS is planning two more phases of strike action in February and March.31/1/2023
Online Enrolment Opens For 2023 Primary 1 Places
The Highland Council is inviting parents and carers to enrol their child online for the next school session starting on 15 August 2023. Online enrolment for Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) places will open on 13 February 2023.26/1/2023
Highland Council Rents To Increase By 4% for 23/24
After along debate today it was agreed to increase council house rent by 4%. The 4% rise increase was agreed despite the fact it will result in less maintenance being carried on houses.21/1/2023
The Highland Council Has Appointed An Interim Chief Executive.
Successful candidate, Kate Lackie, currently Acting Depute Chief Executive/Executive Chief Officer Performance and Governance with the Council takes up the Interim post on 1 February 2023. Ms Lackie was appointed by a senior members' appointment panel on Thursday 19 January 2023 and will take up the role following the departure of Chief Executive, Donna Manson who will be taking up the position of Chief Executive at Devon County Council.
19/1/2023
Highland Council Winter Road Conditions Report - Thursday 19 January 2023
Maps of the Council's gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting. The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time.
17/1/2023
Many Highland Schools Closed Today 17 January - Check Highland Council
Many schools will be closed today due to weather. Parent can check the Highland council web site with pin numbers.16/1/2023
