News Archive

Phased Return Of Council Wide Parking Operations Continue

Following the freezing of some charges and suspension of enforcement for others during the lockdown period, The Highland Council has been following a phased return to normal operations since the 26th of June.  Further details are given below.  

Suspension Of Scallop Fishing In Parts Of The North Sea

Scallop fishing in the North Sea around Dogger Bank will be suspended for four weeks from Sunday 12 July 2020.   Scallop fishing in the North Sea around Dogger Bank will be suspended for four weeks from Sunday 12 July to Saturday 8 August to enable data gathering about the state of the shellfish stock.  

Land Buildings Transactions Tax Changes Will Boost Scottish House Market

The Scottish Government has today announced that the level at which LBTT kicks in will be raised from £145,000 to £250,000.   Faisal Choudhry Head of Savills Residential Research in Scotland said: "This is good news for buyers of Scottish property who will save money in what is likely to be a challenging economy.  

HMRC - Notice For Employers About The Chancellors Announcements

Today the Chancellor announced the introduction of the Job Retention Bonus.   This is a one-off payment of £1,000 to employers that have used the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for each furloughed employee who remains continuously employed until 31‌‌‌ ‌January 2021.  

Chancellor Announces Another Raft Of Spending To Boost The Economy - A Plan For Jobs Speech

Rishi Sunak MP the Chancellor of the Exchequer speech today 8 July 2020 in the House of Commons.   Several significant announcements were made to boost spending and jobs.  

Free ‘wraparound' Childcare For The Armed Forces

The children of service personnel will be entitled to free breakfast and after-school childcare as part of new measures to better support the armed forces and their loved ones.   Service personnel based in Buckinghamshire will be the first to trial the new offer of free ‘wraparound' childcare as pilots are rolled out in September to coincide with the beginning of the academic year.  

Final Phase of Child Care Expansion Put On Hold In Highland

The Highland Council is updating parents and carers of its position on early learning and childcare (ELC).   In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Scottish Government removed the statutory requirement for Local Authorities to deliver 1140 hours of ELC from August.  

From woolly hats to Kinky Knickers - buying British may not be the saving grace it once was

Article from The Conversation web site by Serena Dyer Lecturer in History of Design and Material Culture, De Montfort University.   When Britain's shops sprang into post-lockdown life in the second half of June, the Daily Mirror's front-page headline commanded readers to "Shop for Britain".  

Committee focuses on Covid-19 actions taken in Caithness

The Caithness Committee met virtual today for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic and it's agenda focused on the actions taken by the Council and the third sector to deal with the effects of Coronavirus in Caithness.   The Executive Chief Officer for Education and Learning, Paul Senior, gave members an update on the plans and preparations underway to prepare for the return of pupils and staff to Caithness schools in August.  

Council Relaxes Some Controls For Covid-19 Business Recovery

Following on from the recent publication of Highland Council's Supporting Economic Recovery in Highland - A Guide for Businesses - the Council is announcing relaxation of some controls that will assist tourist accommodation providers have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.   In recognition of this where there are specific planning and licensing controls in relation to occupancy, for example: a restriction on the occupancy of any caravan for a continuous 12 month period; or where conditions restrict occupancy for specific periods of time, ...these will be relaxed by the Council up to and including April 2021.