Local Authority News
5/2/2023
Scottish Councils May Face Cuts Over The Next Two Years Even With 5% Council Tax Increases
Even if Scottish councils were to increase council tax by 5% a year in each of the next two years they may face real-terms cuts to their funding. New analysis by IFS researchers finds that even if Scottish councils were to increase council tax by 5% a year in each of the next two years (adding around £140 to the average band D tax bill), they may face real-terms cuts to their funding.4/2/2023
Local Visitor Levy Progress Update Discussed At Committee
The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee met (Thursday 2 February 2023) and received a progress update on the recommencement of the legislative process for the Local Visitor Levy Bill, including the likely timescales and implications for its introduction in Highland. Members agreed the Council’s proposed next steps, which include an offer to provide verbal and written evidence to the Scottish Government Parliamentary Committee(s).3/2/2023
Members Approve Highland Council's Delivery Plan For Utilising Grants From The Uk Shared Prosperity Fund
Members of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee today (2 February 2023) agreed the local authority’s Delivery Plan for funding received via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: "We welcome this significant funding, it important that, as a council, we move at pace to maximise the very real benefits this additional funding will bring.3/2/2023
Committee Updated On Recent Transport Consultations To Modernise And Improve The Local Transport Network
At a meeting of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee (Thursday 2 February) members were given an update on the next steps to be taken after an intensive period of public consultations for transport improvement projects, funded by the Scottish Government Bus Partnership Fund. The report presented to the committee follows on from the well-attended public joint consultation event held in Inverness last month which pulled together three of the four transport improvement studies currently underway.3/2/2023
Developing Scotland's International Cultural Presence
Survey launched to understand international interests and aspirations. A public survey to help develop an International Culture Strategy for Scotland has been launched by the Culture Secretary.2/2/2023
A' Chiad Tachartas Dhreuchdan Ann An Gàidhlig Do Phàrantan Is Luchd-cùraim
Tha Leasachadh Sgilean na h-Alba (SDS) a' tabhann a' chiad oideachadh-lìn aca a-riamh ann an Gàidhlig gus cuideachadh a thoirt do phàrantan is luchd-cùraim sgoilearan a tha a’ beachdachadh air an cànan ionnsachadh no a tha ag ionnsachadh a’ chànain gu làithreach. Bidh an seisean bhiortail (Diciadain 8 Gearran aig 6:30f) a’ co-roinn fiosrachadh mu sheirbheis dhreuchdan na h-Alba a thuilleadh air togail air na buannachdan co-cheangailte ri bhith ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig airson obraichean san àm ri teachd.31/1/2023
All Schools Closed In Highland Due To Industrial Action - Tuesday 31st January
As stated in previous weeks by the Highland Council, all schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday 31st January due to strike action by the EIS union. See https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures More Teacher Strikes Very Likely If No Settlement The EIS is planning two more phases of strike action in February and March.31/1/2023
Online Enrolment Opens For 2023 Primary 1 Places
The Highland Council is inviting parents and carers to enrol their child online for the next school session starting on 15 August 2023. Online enrolment for Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) places will open on 13 February 2023.26/1/2023
Highland Council Rents To Increase By 4% for 23/24
After along debate today it was agreed to increase council house rent by 4%. The 4% rise increase was agreed despite the fact it will result in less maintenance being carried on houses.21/1/2023
The Highland Council Has Appointed An Interim Chief Executive.
Successful candidate, Kate Lackie, currently Acting Depute Chief Executive/Executive Chief Officer Performance and Governance with the Council takes up the Interim post on 1 February 2023. Ms Lackie was appointed by a senior members' appointment panel on Thursday 19 January 2023 and will take up the role following the departure of Chief Executive, Donna Manson who will be taking up the position of Chief Executive at Devon County Council.
19/1/2023
Highland Council Winter Road Conditions Report - Thursday 19 January 2023
Maps of the Council's gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting. The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time.
17/1/2023
Many Highland Schools Closed Today 17 January - Check Highland Council
Many schools will be closed today due to weather. Parent can check the Highland council web site with pin numbers.16/1/2023
Launch Of Spirit:360 Artists Digital Platform
Today marks the official launch of the Spirit:360 digital platform of over 60 artists who received up to £1000 commission each to create works that have been inspired from the theme ‘Spirit of the Highlands'. The online platform features all commissioned artists, each with their own profile page showcasing their work for the project.
15/1/2023
Council Tax On Second Homes In Scotland In Line For Doubling
Pressure on the Scottish Government to allow councils to double the the council tax on second homes is rising. The Poverty and Inequality Commission made its recommendations in a report in august 2022.9/1/2023
Proposed Extension To The Deadline For Existing Short-term Let Hosts To Apply For A Licence
The Highland Council has received an update from the Scottish Government, confirming their proposal to formally amend The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022, to extend the deadline for existing short term let hosts to apply for their license. The proposal will extend the date by which existing hosts/operators (i.e.20/12/2022
Highland Council Drives Forward With Introducing 20 Mph Project To Over 100 Sites
Progress continues to be made by The Highland Council to introduce 20 mph speed limits to over 100 sites in 2023. Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Work is ongoing at pace to deliver this ambitious project which will benefit Highland communities.14/12/2022
Council Leader And Officials Met Naturescot CEO To Mark Signing Of Edinburgh Declaration & Discuss Biodiversity Loss
Senior figures at Highland Council met on Monday 12 December 2022 with NatureScot CEO Francesca Osowska to underline its commitment to tackle the climate and ecological emergency and mark the official signing of the Edinburgh Declaration. Highland Council Leader, Cllr Raymond Bremner signed the declaration on behalf of the local authority following a recommendation by Members at the inaugural Climate Change Committee earlier this month.9/12/2022
Major Projects Take A Step Forward Through Redesign
Four major redesign projects are making progress as set out in a report to Council on 8 December 2022. The four projects which are priority areas for change and improvement are as follows: The Asset Management Project aims to reduce the Council's office estate, making operational cost savings, modernising the working environment, while reducing the Council’s energy use and carbon footprint.7/12/2022
Flying Home For Christmas - Highland Council Announces Festive Schedule For Wick-Aberdeen Air Services
The Highland Council has today (Wednesday 7 December 2022) announced a temporary festive schedule for the air services between Wick and Aberdeen. Agreed in partnership with the operator, Eastern Airways, and local stakeholders, the schedule will operate from 24 December 2022 to 7 January 2023.
4/12/2022
