Local Authority News

Council Launches New Tenant Participation And Engagement Strategy 2024-2029

The Housing and Property Committee met on Wednesday 6 November 2024 and approved the Tenant Participation & Engagement Strategy 2024-2029.  Members heard from both tenant representatives and Officers about the ongoing engagement and collaborative work within communities across Highland.  

Report Retailers Selling Vapes To Underagers - Highland Council Trading Standards Find 1 In 3 Retailers Selling Vapes To Under 18s

Highland Council's Trading Standards team is reporting worrying findings from the age restricted product test purchase programme it carried out over the last six months.   During the most recent exercise, premises in Skye, Easter Ross, Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey were test purchased for cigarettes and vapes using volunteers under 18 years of age.  

Non-domestic Rates Relief Statistics For Scotland

The Chief Statistician has released statistics on the reliefs and exemptions from non-domestic rates that were in place on 1 June 2024.   These figures were produced by independent statistical staff, free from any political influence, in accordance with professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Statistics.  

Financial Forecast Reported To Highland Council

A revised financial forecast for the Highland Council, taking account of already agreed savings and other measures, suggests a remaining budget gap of £38m-£54m over the coming three years, 2025/26 to 2027/28.   As part of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Plan, agreed in February 2024, Council agreed a package of £54.6m of budget savings, and the use of a range of financial flexibilities and use of reserves, to address the projected £113m gap over a 3-year period 2024/25 - 2026/27.  

Sudden Withdrawal Of Bus Services In Caithness

Aarons of Wick Ltd informed The Highland Council at lunchtime on Friday 4 October that with immediate effect they were unable to continue to operate any school or public service journeys which require a full-size bus.   The Council has sourced replacement services from Dunnetts Transport for the Reay - Thurso and Bower – Castletown – Thurso services.  

New Contract For Highland's Mixed Plastic And Metal Containers Recycling Services

A new contract has been awarded to Perthshire's Wyllie Recycling Ltd for the provision of mixed plastic and metal container recycling services and haulage in Highland.  This includes plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, metals tins, drink cans, aerosols and food and drink cartons which are collected in the new green recycling bins.  

Councillors Agree Revised Community Wealth Building Strategy

Members at meeting of The Highland Council 919 Septmber2024) agreed a refined strategy and action plan for the Council's approach to Community Wealth Building.   The Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024 - 2027 provides an alternative approach to economic development and a practical response that aims to keep wealth within a local area.  

Change of Direction For Future Of Thor House In Thurso

Following a process of review, including extensive stakeholder engagement, The Highland Council has completed an options appraisal on the future of Thor House in Thurso.   The Council can now confirm that it intends to reinstate the property as a short break house for children with disability.  

Community Learning And Development Plan 2024-2027

The Education Committee met today (Thursday 12 September 2024) and agreed the Community Learning and Development Plan 2024-2027.   Community Learning and Development (CLD) plays an important role in ensuring individuals, families and communities reach their potential, through lifelong learning, mutual self-help and community organisation, ensuring support and opportunities are community-led and built around people's individual and collective aspirations.  

Highland Communities Are To Benefit From Over £800k Regeneration Funding Awarded To Rural Projects

The Highland Strategic Local Action Group who met during August, considered, and agreed funding for 49 projects submitted to the Community Led Local Development fund (CLLD), which makes up part of The Highland Council Community Regeneration Funding (CRF) programme.   Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: "It is the third year in a row that we have been successful in securing a large allocation of CLLD funding from the Scottish Government.