Local Authority News

Members Agree Digital Ambition For Highland Council - Or How To Make Cuts Without Saying So

Members of Highland Council, who met on Thursday 14 March 2024, approved a corporate Digital Ambition, which has been designed to deliver significant organisational change across Council services, recognising the current priorities within the organisation.   The Strategy, which is embedded within the wider Council Delivery Plan, has been developed to focus attention and resources on areas of change which will deliver the greatest benefit to the Council.  

Members agree Highland Council's new Community Wealth Building Strategy

Members at today's (14 March 2024) meeting of The Highland Council agreed the local authority's new draft Community Wealth Building Strategy.   They were also asked to note that a period of public engagement on the draft will now begin, with a final strategy returning to full Council for consideration in September.  

Clarification On The Role Of MCR Pathways' Coordinators And Mentors In Highland Schools

The Council remains committed to supporting mentoring in our schools, including the support that is currently delivered through the MCR Pathways programme.   Highland Council is currently undertaking a review of Employability Support provided by a number of different council services and how these relate to the work carried out by external partners and in our schools.  

Cuts And More Cuts But Still Cash For Arts In Highland - £30,000 For Tapestries

The Co-Chairs of the Inverness Castle Delivery Group, Fergus Ewing MSP and Cllr Ian Brown, are delighted to announce the award of £30,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in support of framing the 57 panels that will form the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands.   This financial commitment from HIE has contributed significantly to the preservation of the 57 panels created by communities across the Highlands and Islands, of which 32 will be included in the first exhibition as part of the Inverness Castle Experience.  

Highland Council Confirms Dates For Thermal Trial To Start In Thurso

The Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has confirmed details of a trial, to start next week, of a thermal process for carrying out pothole repairs.   An external contractor, Thermal Road Repairs, has been appointed to undertake the work using a thermal repair process.  

So Where Are We With Major Road Repairs?

Road conditions have been deteriorating for many years in Caithness and across all of Scotland.   Almost a year ago highland council approved a further £7.7 million.  

The Highland Council Budget Meeting To Be Broadcast On Youtube

The Highland Council will be broadcasting our upcoming special budget meeting on Thursday 29 February 2024.   Alongside our regular webcast platform, you will be able to watch proceedings live on our YouTube channel in high definition Coverage on YouTube will start at 10am, with the meeting starting at 10.30am.  

Make No Mistake Highland Council Are Going to Make Significant Cuts For Next Two Years At Least

Over £100m investment programme proposed as part of 3-year budget Highland council are about to use significant amounts of reserves to cover shortfalls in the budget for 24/25 and possibly 25/26.   Despite pushing out big figures it disguises the cuts about to fall on Highland services.  

Primary Strategic Network in Education for Highland

A collaborative network of Head Teachers and Education Officers are working closely together with the goal of improving attainment and achievement in Highland primary schools.   Cllr John Finlayson, Education Chair said: "It is essential that we have strong, consultation and communication strategies in place and there is effective and ongoing collaboration between our schools and our central education service.  

Roads In Caithness Will Get Worse Caithness Area Committee Admits As Funding Is Inadequate For 2024/25

The Council at the Caithness Area Committee agree the roads budget for 2024/25 with exactly the same amount as for 2023/24.   Clearly with rapidly increasing costs this will come nowhere near to maintaining the roads to even the poor condition they are now in.