News Archive
7/4/2020
Highland Council Issues Covid-19 Advice To Tenants
The Highland Council is sending a bulletin to all council tenants providing them with advice about issues related to Coronavirus. The bulletin contains information of a wide range of topics including energy advice, details on changes to homelessness services, how to get housing support, support for anyone in rent arrears, awareness tips from Trading Standards on staying safe from scams, a reminder on how to continue receiving free school meals, specific information for any tenants shielding, what practical support is available in communities and sharing national helplines for people to stay connected.7/4/2020
Bin lorry fire prompts Council plea
The Highland Council urges members of the public not to put hot ashes into household bins. Please ensure that ash is properly cooled before emptying into bins.7/4/2020
Covid-19 Funding Update For Community Groups April 2020
Funding has become available for community organisations that are setting up support for vulnerable people during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The National Emergencies Trust Fund is now open for applications.7/4/2020
Highland Council issues COVID-19 outdoor access guidance reminder
The Highland Council's Access Officers have become aware of several illegal ad hoc signs appearing on paths and access routes saying that they are closed. These signs are misleading, so the team is taking this opportunity to remind everyone about the current COVID-19 outdoor access guidance.7/4/2020
House prices remained stable in March before coronavirus restrictions introduced
Halifax commentary on House Prices. Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax, said:"The UK housing market began March with similar trends to previous months, as key market indicators showed a sustained level of buyer and seller activity.
7/4/2020
Covid-19 - Quantifying The Impact On The Scottish Economy
Fraser of Allander Institute - April 7, 2020. A lengthy article on the possible effects on the Scottish economy.6/4/2020
HMRC Latest Update On Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme For Employers and Employees
Issued by HMRC today 6 April 2020. Dear customer, On 27 March I emailed you to advise that the latest guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme had been published at the links below, and we committed to keep you regularly updated.6/4/2020
Coronavirus Food Fund In Scotland - Support To Put Meals On Tables
Families unable to access food as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will get support from local authorities with £30 million of new investment from the Scottish Government Food Fund. The funding will support those most in need including families with children who are eligible for free school meals, older people, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women.6/4/2020
Emergency Help For Those Worse Affected By Coronavirus - £8 Million Boost
Key support services get £8 million boost. People most at risk from the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak are to receive further support following emergency investment in crucial services.6/4/2020
Supporting people affected by alcohol and drug use
Extra support for people affected by alcohol and drug use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been announced by the Minister for Public Health Joe FitzPatrick. Funding of £166,000 from the Scottish Government will support: • a programme to increase access to naloxone in new settings, including investment in kits to add to the existing outlets for naloxone supply • increased capacity within the Know the Score helpline and webchat service • a COVID-19 publicity campaign signposting support for alcohol and drug use during the pandemic • funding to link people with others in recovery through the Scottish Recovery Consortium Help will also be available for those affected by another's alcohol and drug use through the Supporting Families Fund.6/4/2020
Coronavirus support from returning staff and students
Health Secretary's ‘thank you’ to those supporting the NHS. Almost 10,000 people, including more than 4,700 health care staff, have so far come forward to offer the NHS in Scotland their skills and expertise during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.6/4/2020
Small business grant scheme extended to self-catering businesses
The Highland Council today launched its revised guidance on behalf of the Scottish Government, with grants of £10,000 and £25,000 becoming available for eligible self-catering businesses. Recognising the concerns raised by the tourism industry, on behalf of self-caterers, the Scottish Government small business grant scheme has been expanded to include self-catering properties and caravans where receipts represent a primary source (for example, one third or more) of earnings for the ratepayer and the property has been let out for 140 days or more in the financial year 2019-20.6/4/2020
Statement from the Chief Medical Officer
Dr Catherine Calderwood, the Chief Medical Officer has resigned from the Scottish Government. Dr Calderwood, who earlier offered an apology for failing to properly follow the guidelines on not travelling away from home, said:"I am deeply sorry for my actions and the mistakes I have made.6/4/2020
Ukaea's Helping Hand For The NHS
The UK Atomic Energy Authority has donated essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to the NHS for use during the coronavirus pandemic. The donation follows a plea from the NHS to organisations around the UK to send what vital equipment they are able to in order to address potential shortages during the current crisis.6/4/2020
Government And Video Games Industry Join Forces In Fight Against Coronavirus
Government partners with leading UK video games companies to help get essential health messaging into more UK homes. Government partners with leading UK video games companies to help get essential health messaging into more UK homes Geotargeting technology will see ‘Stay At Home, Save Lives' messaging appear in some of the world’s most popular games, including Candy Crush Saga, Sniper Elite 4, DiRT Rally 2.0 and Farm Heroes.6/4/2020
Crimestoppers Scotland: Doorstep crime during the Coronavirus crisis - Speak Up, Stay Safe
Crimestoppers Scotland has today, 6th April 2020, launched a vital Doorstep Crime campaign aimed at empowering people to stay safe in their homes. Right now, everyone has a role to play in keeping themselves and others safe, that's why the charity are appealing to people to share the message on keeping safe at home, especially with those who are most at risk Doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, and often very convincing at targeting people, that's why our charity is encouraging people to: THINK, SECURE, QUESTION, CONSIDER AND CONTROL.
6/4/2020
Support For Modern Slavery Victims Affected By Coronavirus
Government announces immediate changes for people in the modern slavery victim care contract. Individuals supported through the modern slavery victim care contract will be allowed to stay in government-funded safe accommodation for the next three months, as the government steps up measures to protect the vulnerable from coronavirus.
6/4/2020
Foreign & Commonwealth Office Steps Up Plans To Bring Home Britons Stranded Overseas
The government increases efforts to bring home travellers stranded abroad by coronavirus (COVID-19) with extra flights and 10 more airlines joining its scheme. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises all British travellers to return to the UK now.
6/4/2020
UK Announces First Charter Flights From India To Bring British Nationals Home
The UK has announced the first seven charter flights that will bring home British nationals in India. The charter flights will depart for London from the following cities: Goa 8 10 and 12 April Mumbai: 9 and 11 April New Delhi: 9 and 11 April British travellers should visit the booking portal for respective cities to reserve seats.6/4/2020
