Local Authority News
27/10/2020
Grant secures school leaders commitment to scrap sandwich option and return to serving cooked meals
REGIONAL Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has welcomed a commitment from Highland Council to return all schools to a hot meal service. In a letter to the MSP this week, the local authority confirmed more than 60 per cent of schools have gone back to serving hot meals already and it said all schools are expected to follow suit "shortly".26/10/2020
Highland Council supports help from the Financial Ombudsman Service for small business affected by Covid 19
Highland Council Trading Standards are keen to raise awareness of the role of The Small Business Financial Ombudsman Service in resolving disputes between small and medium sized businesses (SME's) and financial service providers which include banks, insurance and money lending businesses. David MacKenzie, Highland Council Trading Standards Manager explains: "We realise the financial struggle that some SME's have had recently because of Covid 19 restrictions.26/10/2020
Council Consulted On Five Level Covid Protection System
The Leader and the Chief Executive of The Highland Council earlier today took part in a meeting of COSLA focussing on the Scottish Government's new five level protection system for Covid. The meeting gave council leaders the opportunity to examine in more detail the mechanism outlined by the Scottish Government along with the framework of how the tier system will be implemented.26/10/2020
First Business Hardship Funds Paid Out To Highland Businesses - Deadline to apply Tuesday 3rd November
Following its launch on Tuesday 20th October 2020, Highland Council has received and paid out the first Business Hardship Fund grants. As part of the Scottish Government's response to the COVID-19 Brake Restrictions which came into effect on 9 October, the Council has been asked to deliver this grant scheme on behalf of the Scottish Government.23/10/2020
Caithness Councillors Unanimously Backs Business Case For Wick John OGroats Airport PSO
At the Caithness Area Committee on 22 October 2020 members unanimously confirmed their full support to the business case for Wick John O'Groats Airport to receive Public Service Obligation (PSO) status by putting forward a motion and reinforcing their commitment to working with stakeholders and partners to deliver this as a matter of urgency. The motion lodged recognises the fundamental strategic importance of Wick John O’Groats Airport to the economy of the region, and the energy, business and tourism sectors in particular.22/10/2020
Councillors approve over £2 million of investment in Caithness council housing
Members of the Caithness Committee have identified fuel poverty as their number one concern and are pleased to announce that the member-led capital housing budget has increased to 10% as they welcome £2,253,000 of investment which will be used to carry out improvements to the housing stock across the county. A specific priority of the capital programme is improving heating and make homes more energy efficient, with over £1,300,000 of budget approved to replace the oldest and most inefficient heating systems with a further £150,000 for one-off heating replacements.21/10/2020
Friends Against Scams FASathon Campaign
Highland Council Trading Standards supports FASathon - the Friends Against Scams marathon day Highland Council Trading Standards is encouraging Highland residents to take part in ‘FASathon', the Friends Against Scams marathon day, on 21st October 2020. The aim of the FASathon campaign is to get as many people as possible to complete the free Friends Against Scams online awareness session to learn about the different types of scams and how to protect yourself and others against scams.16/10/2020
Local Government Has Reduced The Worst Impacts Of Covid For The Most Vulnerable
By intervening, Local Government has reduced the worst impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for the most vulnerable in our communities, COSLA said today (Wednesday). COSLA also said that is why their Blueprint outlines the lead role of Local Government in securing a fair and inclusive recovery with a strong focus on human rights, tackling poverty and addressing inequalities.14/10/2020
Tourism Committee Tackles Motorhomes And Wild Camping
In advance of the 2021 tourism season, Members of The Highland Council's Tourism Committee have agreed that the local authority will continue to work and engage with partners, national agencies and local communities to meet the challenges and opportunities that exist in the region for motorhomes and wild camping tourism. Councillor Maxine Smith, Tourism Committee Chair said: "While coronavirus and the increased demand for staycations in the UK have played a large part in the massive increase in demands placed on the Highlands of Scotland from across the UK, the evidence does show that motorhome ownership and hire has been increasing over recent years.13/10/2020
Council provides details on accessing Covid-19 Self-Isolation Support Grants
The Highland Council has published new information on the Coronavirus Covid-19 button on the front page of its website on how people can access the new Covid-19 Self-Isolation Support Grant. https://www.highland.gov.uk/coronavirus Funded by the Scottish Government, the new grant is available for individuals who are asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Protect Service, in receipt of low-income benefits and who will lose income as they are unable to work from home.12/10/2020
Options For The Future Of Lifeline Corran Ferry Service To Go Before Highland Council
Highland Council is currently looking at options to secure the future of the lifeline ferry service at Corran Ferry, Lochaber. The local authority is responsible for operating the Corran Ferry service, which is the busiest single vessel route in Scotland.
12/10/2020
Garden Waste collections continue until the end of November
The Highland Council would like to thank householders who have purchased a Garden Waste Collection Service permit for 2020/21. The current permit started on the 1st of September and will run until the 31st of August 2021, with collections continuing until the end of November.12/10/2020
Council Issues Reminder On How To Get Support
The Highland Council is reminding the public that although their offices and buildings remain closed to the public a full range of support and information is still available. Access into all service point buildings continues to be currently restricted for people to complete birth registrations and other high priority registrations by appointment only, and following all current social distancing and hygiene guidance.9/10/2020
Supporting Local Government Recovery
Additional spending powers and funding for councils. A package of financial flexibilities and extra funding for councils which could be worth up to £750 million has been agreed by the Scottish Government in partnership with COSLA.8/10/2020
Phishing scam alert
The Highland Council Trading Standards team have been made aware of a phishing scam that may be targeting highland residents. The scam takes the form of a text or email and claims it is from the HM Courts and Tribunals Service.8/10/2020
Highland Councillor Chair Of Education And Leader Thank School Communities And Staff
As the October holidays approach - school communities, their pupils and staff in the Highlands are being thanked by the Chair of Education and Leader of The Highland Council. Councillor John Finlayson, Chair Highland Council's Education Committee said: "As we come to the end of a tough, busy, and successful first Covid-19 school term I would like thank all staff that work in and support our schools to let them know that we appreciate how they have coped in these difficult times.
3/10/2020
Highland Council by-election postponed
The by-election for The Highland Council's Ward 12 - Aird and Loch Ness has been postponed for public safety due to the coronavirus pandemic. Returning Officer, Donna Manson is implementing clause 70 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 that allows Returning Officers to postpone Local Authority Elections in Scotland and will set a new by-election date for 2021 once all available dates have been considered.
2/10/2020
Household Waste Recycling Centre Opening Hours Extended In Highland
The Highland Council is pleased to announce that from Saturday 3 October the majority of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) across the region will see their opening hours extended to include a Saturday or Sunday for members of the public to dispose of their household waste. The HWRC in Kingussie and Grantown, which have been temporarily closed until now, will also be re-opened on Saturdays only from 3 October 2020.
2/10/2020
Highland Council Clamp Down On Spending In The Face Of Potential Deficit Position
Councillors have agreed a cautious and prudent approach to the Highland Council's Revenue Budget for 2020/21. Depute Leader Cllr Alasdair Christie said: "We know how hard these past 6 months have been for individuals, groups, schools, care providers and businesses.
1/10/2020
