Local Authority News
31/12/2021
Highland Council has been working hard in response to the climate emergency and there's much more to come
Highland Council's Climate Change and Energy Team have had a productive year and say their crucial work will continue apace in the New Year. As 2021 draws to a close, the team has taken time to reflect on the progress made in 2021 in the Highland region.31/12/2021
Huge Success Of HERO Scheme In Highland
The Highland Council is delighted with the success of its HERO scheme which is providing people with new job opportunities and making a real difference to the lives of many who previously were finding it hard to find employment. Since it was launched on the 15 March 2021 HERO (Highland Employment Recruitment Offer), which is run by the Council's Employability Team, has directly supported 225 residents into employment.
23/12/2021
New - Hospitality Business Support Top-up Grant Scheme
The Hospitality Business Support Top-Up Grant Scheme will provide a one-off payment for businesses in the hospitality sector who have lost bookings during December 2021 and January 2022. Business will receive either a grant of £4,500 or £6,800 depending on their rateable value.21/12/2021
Renovation Project For Wick Public Toilets A Step Closer
The Highland Council has confirmed that designs for the renovation of the Wick Whitechapel Road Public Conveniences have been finalised. They include a new communal entrance, charging gate, internal CCTV, disabled toilet, upgraded showering facilities and a full internal refurbishment.
20/12/2021
Film Partner For Spirit Of The Highlands And Islands Project Content Announced
On behalf of The Highland Council, High Life Highland this week announced Northport as the successful partner for the film input to Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project. The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project will be delivered in partnership with VisitScotland and aims to deliver benefits for local communities, helping to unlock economic potential and improve visitor experiences across the region by engaging people with our rich natural and cultural heritage.
18/12/2021
Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme For Under 22s
The Chairs of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure and Education Committees are urging young people and families to be ready for the Young persons' Free bus travel scheme for under 22s next year. Cllr Trish Robertson said: "To take advantage of this free travel 5 - 21-year-olds will need a valid entitlement card.
11/12/2021
Review of Highland Council property approved to reduce carbon emissions and deliver savings
Members approved a list of offices for review and potential rationalisation as a key part of the 15 year capital strategy plan. Consultation will be undertaken on the properties identified as part of the review process.11/12/2021
15-year Capital Plan Approved By Highland Council After Long Debate
Members of the Highland Council have today approved a fifteen year capital plan with a total value of nearly £1bn which will see investment in schools, roads and flood schemes. The 15-year programme is intended to support the delivery of the Council's current programme, to the value of £658.132m which aligns with the Council's long term strategic aims and reflects long term budget planning.11/12/2021
Highlnd Council Agrees Support For Households Living In Fuel Poverty
Proposals to provide almost £3m to help households in fuel poverty in Highland this winter have been approved by members at the meeting of full Council on 10 December. A payment of £180 will be made to around 16,440 eligible Highland households where residents are in receipt of means-tested council tax reduction.11/12/2021
Council agrees to appoint three Older People's Champions across Highland
Council has agreed a motion to appoint Older People's Champions across Highland, with an amendment to take a report to the February 2022 Health and Social Care Committee. The wording of the motion and amendment is as follows: Older People's Champion Council recognises and values the contributions that older people play in our society.11/12/2021
Place Based Framework approved for Future Highlands
Highland Councillors a their meeting held on 10 December 2021 have approved a new way of working aiming to improve how the Council works with individual communities to address their needs. A framework has been written up for the new "place-based" approach as a way of bringing ideas about services, investments, resources, and assets together.11/12/2021
Preparations underway for local government election next May
At today's meeting of The Highland Council (Friday 10 December 2021) members agreed the resources required to run the Highland Council Local Government Elections which will take place on Thursday 5 May 2022 and were advised that preparations were already underway to ensure its successful delivery. The total cost of running the 2022 Council election is estimated to be £550,000.10/12/2021
Net Zero Strategy Approach For Highland
Highland Councillors have agreed an ambitious approach to developing a net zero strategy and action plan for the region that will maximise external funding to deliver its climate change targets. Councillors welcomed feedback on staff and Members' attendance at COP26 which helped to secure a variety of benefits and new opportunities to support and strengthen the Council’s approach to climate action.4/12/2021
Nigg multi-million investment welcomed NOW by Highland Council Leader
Leader of The Highland Council, Margaret Davidson has welcomed the announcement today by the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon in relation to the much anticipated Nigg Offshore Wind ("NOW") tower rolling factory. The £110m project proposed by Nigg Offshore Wind Asset Company Limited (NOW) - a joint venture by Global Energy Group and leading European tower manufacturer, Haizea Wind Group, Bilbao - was announced today (Friday 3 December).2/12/2021
Temporary Accommodation Debts Piling Up For Councils
A new report, "Charges for temporary homeless accommodation in Scotland - law and reality" has been published by the Legal Services Agency which examines the practice of charging for temporary homeless accommodation in Scotland, and whether local authorities are acting lawfully in this area. Background Individuals in Scotland who make a homelessness application to their local authority are supposed to be provided with temporary accommodation.
29/11/2021
Unison Vote Settles 2021 Local Government Pay Dispute - Pay Rise Backdated To January 2021
Members of Scotland's largest local government union have voted to accept a pay deal after the union secured an additional £48m funding on the paybill for an improved offer from COSLA. UNISON announced the result of its ballot today (Monday 29 November 2021) with more than 75% voting in favour of the offer.29/11/2021
Council Leader praises Caithness Roads Team
The Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson, recently met with Council Roads Staff in Wick on a visit to Caithness. Cllr Davidson said: "We have had a good discussion with the Area Roads Manager and some of her Team and I am very impressed with the road works that they have achieved this season.22/11/2021
Contractor To Start On Upgrade Works At Uig Harbour
RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd are starting works at Uig Harbour this week where the ferry terminal will be upgraded with new infrastructure. This forms a key part of the Skye Triangle upgrade where The Highland Council have been working closely with Transport Scotland, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), CalMac Ferries Ltd and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to deliver the Uig works with the ongoing upgrade works at Tarbert and Lochmaddy.22/11/2021
Empty Homes Officer In Post In Highland
The Highland Council is working in partnership with the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership to proactively bring privately-owned empty homes across the Highlands back into use. With funding support from the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, the Council has been able to employ a full-time Empty Homes Officer for a two-year period.22/11/2021
