Local Authority News
26/10/2017
Council to explore possibility of Rent Pressure Zones across Highland
Members of The Highland Council have agreed that the Council will examine and report back on the feasibility of applying under the provisions of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 for a Rent Pressure Zone for Inverness and for any other community in the Highlands facing similarly expensive housing rents. Members approved a motion presented by Cllr Richard Laird (Inverness Central Ward) and Cllr Ron MacWilliam (Inverness Ness-side Ward) which stated: "The Highland Council notes the unprecedented high rents for private sector housing in Inverness and many other areas in the Highlands and the pressure this places on both the Highland Housing Register and those individuals and families seeking a home in the city." Council Housing Officers will be asked to explore and examine the feasibility of applying for Rent Pressure Zones - if required - and to report back to a future meeting of the Council.26/10/2017
Highland Council calls for enhancements to control of local taxation
The Highland Council has agreed to work with CoSLA and other partners to undertake research on options to enhance local control of taxation. Leader of the Council, Margaret Davidson, who put forward the motion with Councillor Jimmy Gray, said: "Over the past 50 years the proportion of local taxation in Local Authorities has decreased from around 50% to some 18%.26/10/2017
A Redesigned Council - Redesign projects produce positive results
Redesign of the Council means it will be more open-minded to new ways of delivering services, more commercially-minded to raise income to sustain services and jobs across the region and more community-minded to involve more people in Council decisions and community-run services. One way of being more open-minded is to undertake reviews of services to identify where blockages and delays occur, to cut out waste and improve services for people using them.25/10/2017
Landslip affecting Knoydart road
Late last night the Highland Council ‘s Roads Inspector received a phone call advising him that that a 15 metre section of the road at Soldiers Rock on the Knoydart peninsula had collapsed. This 4.8 mile single track road between Scottas and Airor is a lifeline road for the communities beyond the slip which include Airor, Doune and Sandaig.24/10/2017
External audit highlights a forward looking Council
"The forward look of the Council is one of ambition, improving outcomes and working across Communities". This is the view of the external audit report on The Highland Council.20/10/2017
Review of Debt advice and related services
The Council has a legal duty to provide certain advice and information services on debt, welfare and housing for local residents. Employment rights advice is also provided but there is no statutory duty on the Council to provide this.19/10/2017
Closing the attainment gap in Highland
Highland Council is fully supportive of the aim to close the poverty-related educational attainment gap between children and young people from the least and most disadvantaged communities. In Highland, 1537 Primary and 1006 Secondary School children live in the most deprived data zones.16/10/2017
Council gets tough on unlicensed HMO
Last week, The Highland Council issued rent suspension orders (RSO) in relation to a number of properties being operated as unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMO). The orders, which have been served on the owners and tenants, mean that the tenants are no longer under any obligation to pay rent to their landlord.14/10/2017
Highland is ready for winter - are you?
The Highland Council is ready for winter and prepared to grit council roads as the council's winter maintenance programme starts on 14 October. Trunk roads in Highland are the responsibility of Transport Scotland and their operators Bear Scotland.
14/10/2017
Council Leader Welcomes Scottish Government's Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund
The Leader of The Highland Council Councillor Margaret Davidson welcomed the First Minister's announcement of a Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund to deliver much needed improvements to tourist infrastructure to support the rising numbers of visitors to the Highlands. This comes the week after figures were published for August which showed Highland visitor attractions were performing 17% higher compared to August last year, a result that is backed by accounts from residents and businesses that the area has been hugely popular with visitors this season.9/10/2017
Trading Standards are looking for Test Purchasers
Trading Standards are looking for young people to take part in test purchasing exercises. We want to find out which shops are breaking the law by selling age restricted products to young people under 18.3/10/2017
Killimster Moss Road Opening
Caithness Civic leader Cllr Willie Mackay (centre) cuts the tape at the opening of the newly refurbished half mile Killimster Moss stretch of the B876 Wick to Thurso road. Looking on are some of the Highland council workers praised for the project which was done on time and within budget.
3/10/2017
Praise for B876 Killimster Moss road refurbishment
Caithness Civic Leader Cllr Willie Mackay has welcomed the reopening of the B876 Killimster Moss Road. A stretch of the Caithness Wick to Thurso road at Killimster Moss was refurbished over a four week programme of improvement and reopened on Friday 29 September.
2/10/2017
Consultation on review of Highland polling stations
A chance to have your say. Voters are being invited to have their say on a review of polling places throughout the Highland Council area The Council has today (Monday 2 October 2017) launched a consultation over its review of election polling districts and polling places.30/9/2017
£1 million for school libraries over 3 years
The Scottish Government is allocating £1 million to improve school libraries over the next three years. Launched today by the Deputy First Minister, the School Library Improvement Fund will be open for education authorities to apply for funding on behalf of school libraries in their area.29/9/2017
Independent councillor returns in by-election - Tain and Easter Ross by-election results
The by-election for a councillor to represent the Tain and Easter Ross Ward on The Highland Council has been won by Alasdair Rhind (Independent) who was one of six candidates who contested the vacancy. The bi-election was brought about by the resignation of Jamie Stone following his success in the Westminster elections He joins Councillors Fiona Robertson (Independent) and Derek Louden (SNP) in representing Ward 7 on The Highland Council.
29/9/2017
Highland Council encourages people to claim benefits they're entitled to
Highland Council is supporting the Scottish Government's campaign to raise awareness of how people can find out if they are eligible for benefits and to apply for them. A week-long series of radio and press adverts are running to highlight the range of support available from social security, such as the Sure Start Maternity Grant, Carers Allowance and the Funeral Expenses Payment.29/9/2017
Highland Council responds to SPA decisions on the Inverness Police Control Room
The Scrutiny Lead for The Highland Council, Cllr Matthew Reiss responded to the decisions made today by the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) at their meeting in Inverness. He said: "We are naturally deeply disappointed by the decisions today to close the Inverness Control Room and to spread the National Database Enquiry Unit between Inverness and Govan.25/9/2017
Temporary Traffic Lights At Tomnahurich Roundabout, Inverness
Drivers are being advised that on Thursday (28 September 2017) temporary traffic lights will be in position at the A82 approach to Tomnahurich roundabout. The temporary traffic controls are required to allow for work associated with the new West Link crossing to be carried out and will be operating from 9am until 4pm.
25/9/2017
