News Archive

Progress for Council's Off-street car parking policy

At a special meeting of the former Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, held in October last year, Councillors agreed a new approach to the introduction of car parking charges across the area that will see a surplus of income split 50/50 with local areas.   At today's (Thursday 6 February) meeting of The Highland Council's new Economy and Infrastructure Committee members had the opportunity to discuss the progress made in implementing the first phase of the off-street car parking policy.  

Leader of Highland Council and Budget Leader Respond To Scottish Budget 20/21

The Leader of The Highland Council Margaret Davidson and the Budget Leader Alistair Mackinnon gave the Scottish Government's budget a very cautious reaction.   Cllr Margaret Davidson said:"It will take a few days to assess exactly what this means for The Highland Council, and how much of this funding is ring-fenced.  

Scottish Budget 2020-21 - Ministers Proposals

Following the resignation of Finance Minister Derek Mackay this morning Kate Forbes MSP delivered the budget statement.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Investing in vital public services and ending Scotland's contribution to climate change are at the heart of the Scottish Government's tax and spending plans for the year ahead.  

Certainty For Scottish Businesses

Tens of thousands of businesses across Scotland will continue to benefit from vital business rates relief put in place by the Scottish Government.   MSPs have voted to support the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill at stage three, which will now be translated into legislation.  

Sottish Chambers Of Commerce Reacts To Mixed Results Of Holyrood Rates Vote

Scottish Chambers of Commerce reacts to mixed results of Holyrood rates vote.   Whilst welcoming the Scottish Parliament's decision to retain the Uniform Business Rate, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) has urged the Scottish Parliament to reconsider what it believes is a major barrier to a more flexible, responsive rates system outside of the revaluation cycle following voting on the Non Domestic Rates Bill (Scotland) today.  

Improving NHS Workplace Culture - Whistleblowers Given A Voice

Whistleblowing Champions have been appointed to health boards across Scotland in a move aimed at creating a more honest and open workplace culture within the NHS.   A total of 19 appointments have been made by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, with them all taking up their posts from this week.  

Fishing Vessel Weekly Licence Variations

OPERATIONAL UPDATE: BREXIT Business as usual As you are aware legislation has now been passed in the House of Commons which ratifies the EU Withdrawal Agreement, taking the UK out of the European Union.  As of 23:00 on 31 January 2020 the UK will be in an Implementation Period (also referred to as the transition period) where current EU rules and regulations (and any new legislation made during the course of 2020) will continue to have effect whilst the terms of our future relationship with European Union are negotiated through an EU UK Trade Deal.  

Employment May Be At An All Time High In The Uk, But Austerity, Low Pay And Zero Hours Contracts Inflict Misery On Millions

This article was first published on the The Conversation web site on 23 January 2019.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The UK government has asserted that "employment is at a record high" with 32.5m people in work, the highest figure since 1971.  

The Future Relationship Between The UK And The EU

This statement sets out the Government's proposed approach to the negotiations with the EU about our future relationship.  Further details on this and other trade negotiations will be made available to Parliament as the process develops.  

Hundreds Of Thousands Of People Needed To Power UK's Net Zero Energy Commitment

Research reveals 400,000 job opportunities for a ‘Net Zero Energy Workforce', including nearly 100,000 roles across the north of England The UK will need to recruit hundreds of thousands of people into its energy sector if it is to meet its target to deliver net zero emissions by 2050.  Research published by National Grid today reveals the industry will need to fill 400,000 jobs, bringing opportunities for skilled tradespeople, engineers and other specialists across every region of the country.