News Archive

Proposed council house rent increase approved by new Housing and Property Committee

A proposed 3% rent increase for 2020/21 was agreed by Highland Council's new Housing and Property Committee today, 29 January.  This would result in an increase in the average weekly council house rent from £75.38 to £77.64 (£2.26 per week).  

Age Scotland criticises further bank closures in Scotland

Commenting on Lloyds Banking Group announcing plans to shut 15 of its Bank of Scotland branches across Scotland, Brian Sloan, Age Scotland Chief Executive, said: "We're very sad to see Lloyds follow other banks and put profits ahead of its loyal customers, especially those who are older, disabled or don't have internet access.   "There's no doubt this will make it harder for tens of thousands of people to access their cash and manage their money on a daily basis.  

Year-to-date borrowing rises by less than anticipated

The latest report form the Office of Budget Responsibility to December 2019.   Borrowing has risen so far this year, but at a slower rate than anticipated in our restated March forecast.  

Large Increase In Crisis Grants Paid Out

Low income families provided with more than £3 million in one quarter to cover emergencies.   The amount given in crisis grants to those most in need has increased by more than a third, latest figures show.  

More clarity needed on financing public infrastructure projects

A £3.3 billion investment programme in Scotland's infrastructure has enabled more public buildings and new roads to be built.  But the Scottish Government needs to be clearer about how and when they use privately financed contracts.  

Vehicle restrictions at Highland Council Household Waste Recycling Centres

From the 3rd February 2020, The Highland Council will be introducing vehicle restrictions at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC).   The following vehicles will not be permitted entry to HWRC with any waste: • Trailers with more than one axle or greater than 2.4 metres (8 feet) in length; • Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes or greater; • Tippers and flat-bed trucks of any weight; • Plant vehicles.  

First meeting of new Housing and Property Committee

The first meeting of The Highland Council's new Housing and Property Committee will take place on Wednesday 29 January following a decision by members in December to approve the establishment of a new strategic committee structure.   The first item on the agenda for members will be to confirm the role and remit of this newly established committee which will be chaired by Lochaber Councillor, Ben Thompson.  

90% of Inverness retailers pass Spray Paint Test Purchasing

Highland Council's Trading Standards team is reporting positive findings from the spray paint test purchase programme it recently carried out in Inverness.   A total of 10 premises were test purchased and 9 shops rightly refused to sell spray paints to the underage test purchase volunteer.  

Wealth Is Rising, But Inequality Remains High

New statistics released by the Chief Statistician show rising household wealth in recent years, while wealth inequality remained high.   According to the latest data, households in Scotland had just over one trillion pounds in personal wealth in 2016-2018.  

Scots Landlords Face Ten Months Without Rental Income Under New System

Scottish landlords are now facing a ten-month legal delay to evict tenants who refuse to pay rent, new research has revealed.   Official figures uncovered by Aberdein Considine show that the average eviction now takes over 300 days following a legal shake-up by the Scottish government.