Local Authority News
1/4/2020
Billing Pause For Business Rate Payers In Highland
Around 19,000 business rate payers in Highland will not receive their annual rates bill this April. The Highland Council recognises the exceptional economic challenges for local business and has therefore decided to pause business rates bills in respect of financial year 2020/21.1/4/2020
Supporting Local Highland Businesses During Covid-19
The Highland Council is working hard to release business grants to eligible local businesses as quickly as possible. The Council has received over 2,000 applications since the scheme was introduced last week and has set up systems to process these applications quickly while ensuring the necessary information is received.31/3/2020
Stay At Home Guidance - Parks, Open Spaces And Public Toilets
During this time of restrictions it is important that we all stay active, for our physical health and mental well being. Recreation outside is an important element of this, but it is essential that each of us practice good social distancing while outside.28/3/2020
Highland Council Helpline Now Up And Running
The Highland Council has launched a free helpline to give assistance and to collect details of individuals and community groups looking to provide volunteering support during Covid19. The single line number - 0300 303 1362 - will connect callers to relevant Council specialist teams and will operate Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
27/3/2020
Highland Council To Launch E-vouchers For Free School Meals
Highland Council will be providing e-vouchers to families to support access to free school meals from week commencing 30 March 2020. This innovative and easy-to-use service will ensure over 4,000 school children will continue to receive support for school meals while schools are closed.25/3/2020
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - Advice for Highland Council tenants
As a landlord, the Council's priority is maintaining the welfare of our tenants and providing you with essential services at this difficult time. The situation is changing daily, but this bulletin contains the most up-to-date information about where you can seek advice if you have any concerns about your wellbeing, income or other tenancy matters.25/3/2020
Business Grant Applications Sought - Grants £10,000 To £25,000 Now Available
The Highland Council today launched on behalf of the Scottish Government, the COVID-19 business grant scheme. Grants of £10,000 and £25,000 are available for eligible businesses.25/3/2020
Highland Council helpline now up and running from 2.00pm Today
THE HELPLINE GOES LIVE TODAY FROM 2:00pm ONWARDS. The Highland Council has launched a free helpline to give assistance and to collect details of individuals and community groups looking to provide volunteering support during Covid19.25/3/2020
Homelessness - Delivering Statutory Services - No Evictions Now
Due to the COVID19 restrictions and the closure of Council Service Points, there has been a change in the way Highland Council provides its Homeless services. If you become Homeless, please contact the Council's Service Centre on 01349 886602 (during office hours) and 01349 886691 (out of hours) for further help and support.25/3/2020
Key Worker Hubs Set Up By Highland Council
The Council has been working at pace to set up centres for the children of key workers. Anyone who has applied for a place at one of the key worker hubs in the Highland Council area will be contacted by the end of today (Wednesday 25th) with confirmation of the arrangements that have been put in place.24/3/2020
Urgent Announcement - Council Responds To Government Lockdown - School Meals Cancelled From Tuesday 24 March
In light of the UK and Scottish Government's decision tonight to begin a three-week lockdown in order to delay the spread of the Coronavirus, the Highland Council has taken the decision to cancel the provision of school meals tomorrow Tuesday 24th March. The current format of provision would involve staff and children gathering at school premises and this would go against national advice and directives.24/3/2020
New online support service for Highland Council staff is available now
The Highland Council is offering its 9,500 staff and their family members, a new, free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) service. The local authority has partnered up with an organisation called Spectrum.Life to provide staff with free mental wellbeing support, fitness plans, legal assistance, financial advice, and eLearning content related to a variety of wellbeing topics.23/3/2020
Highland Council New Helplines to be launched tomorrow
The Highland Council is preparing to launch dedicated Freephone helplines from tomorrow. One will focus on providing advice and support for people who want to know how they can volunteer and for anyone needing assistance and help.20/3/2020
Highland Council Universal Credit Claimants Urged To Act Ahead Of Annual Rent Increase
Highland Council tenants claiming Universal Credit are being urged to look out for messages from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The messages, due to start being sent to claimants from the 6th April 2020 will remind people to log on to their online journal and complete a to-do ‘Report any changes to your housing costs' to ensure their entitlement covers their annual rent increase for the year ahead.20/3/2020
Highland Council Help For Hospitality And Tourism Workers Affected By Covid19 Crisis
The Highland Council is urging those from the hospitality and tourism sector who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus crisis to get in touch for support. The Highlands has a large seasonal workforce, many living in ties accommodation provided by their employer.20/3/2020
Highland Council Trading Standards launches webpage on COVID-19 Scams
It has become apparent that in the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, individuals and organised groups of criminals are now operating to attack the economy and wealth. Highland Council Trading Standards have today launched a webpage on the Highland Council website aimed at both consumers and businesses to identify the scams known to Trading Standards and our partners.19/3/2020
Highland Council Trading Standards issues advice on COVID-19 Scams
In the wake of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Highland Council Trading Standards are issuing a warning to the public about a series of new scams related to the virus. One is an email claiming to be from the government, offering a tax rebate to support people through this challenging period.
19/3/2020
Highlife Highland To Close All Archive Centres, Libraries, Leisure Centres, Museums And Swimming Pools
HIGH LIFE HIGHLAND FOCUSING ON SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES. High Life Highland today confirmed that the Charity has reached the difficult decision to close all archive centres, libraries, leisure centres, museums and swimming pools across the Highlands in line with both Scottish Government and UK Government's advice to minimise social contact.
19/3/2020
Highland Council Chief Executive Emergency Statement On School Closures
The First Minster has just made an announcement closing schools after Friday this week. Donna Manson, Chief Executive of The Highland Council said:"Highland Council will need time to assess the impact of this announcement on our workforce, and our communities as well as on the provision of support for our young people.
19/3/2020
