COVID-19 school trip refunds - Corporate Resources Committee

12th August 2020

Members of today's postponed Corporate Resources Committee have supported recommendations contained in item 9 of today's report, regarding critical issues around COVID-19 school trip refunds.

Those members who would have been in attendance at today's meeting were contacted by the Chair of the Committee, Cllr Alister Mackinnon, due to the importance of a decision being made on this item.

Members noted the steps taken by Highland Council and its schools to manage the impact of school trip cancellations, and in turn minimise the costs. This will be done by seeking to reschedule trips or receive refunds or insurance pay outs where appropriate.

Crucially, Members supported the recommendation that the Council should take steps to refund parents in these situations, where no other source of refund is available, and to avoid any financial loss or hardship on parents as a result.

Part of the recommendations involve the use of the Council's financial hardship fund, as the source of funding any refunds.

Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, Cllr Alister MacKinnon, said: "Following consultation with the Executive Chief Officer Resources and Finance and members of Corporate Resources Committee, I am pleased to say that, due to the exceptional circumstances, committee members have clearly stated their agreement with the recommendations ".

"Cancellation of school trips has already been a disappointment to many and it was important that despite today's postponement that we did everything within our power to deal with this very important issue. We are now able to ensure that parents/carers are reimbursed as soon as possible and that no family is left out of pocket as a result of the cancellation of their school trip."

The re-scheduled Corporate Resources Committee meeting will take place on Thursday 20 August 2020 at 1pm or following the conclusion of the Easter Ross Area Committee (whichever is the later).

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

23/9/2026 : Local Authority

Launch of New Transport Service for Renal Patients in Highland

NHS Highland and The Highland Council are pleased to announce the launch of a new bespoke year-round transport service for renal haemodialysis patients across Highland.   Funded through a grant from NHS Highland, the service marks the first phase of a new approach to patient transport delivery, designed to support the long-term development of a more sustainable, flexible and community-focused transport model for Highland.  

23/9/2026 : Local Authority

Economy and Infrastructure Committee to consider next steps on proposed Short Term Let Control Areas

Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will meet next Monday (28 September 2026) to consider whether to progress proposals for new Short Term Let Control Areas across parts of Highland.   At the special meeting, councillors will be asked to consider the findings of a public consultation on proposed control areas covering Inverness City and a wider Highland Rural area, before deciding whether the proposals should be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval.  

Today : Local Authority

Scotland's Local Government Reform: More Local Power or Mainly a Search for Savings?

The Scottish Government is proposing a major reshaping of local government, with fewer regional authorities and many more community-level bodies making decisions closer to where people live.   The language is about local democracy, stronger communities and bringing decisions closer to people.  

Today : Local Authority

Local Government Set For Huge Changes

Initial proposals designed to deliver fundamental reform of local governance have been set out to help shape the debate on improving public services.   The possible changes, if implemented, could help achieve a better balance of decision-making powers across the public sector to ensure investment is focused on delivering improved services.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Council Tax Reform: Just How Many Scots Took Part in the Debate?

Council tax is one of those bills that most households know only too well.   It arrives every month or in a series of instalments, and it helps pay for services ranging from rubbish collection and roads to schools, social care and other council services.  

19/9/2026 : Local Authority

Why Scotland Is Reorganising Public Services – And Why Highland Could Feel the Impact More Than Most

Something important is happening in Scotland's public services, and it goes considerably further than another round of annual budget cuts.   The Scottish Government is now talking about changing the way public services themselves are organised.  

18/9/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's £2.1 Billion Investment Plan: Could Higher Interest Rates Put the Squeeze on Future Budgets?

Highland Council is planning to spend around £2.1 billion over 20 years on schools, roads, housing, community facilities and other infrastructure.   It is an ambitious programme, and one which could bring considerable benefits across the Highlands.  

17/9/2026 : Local Authority

New Industry Connect Highland programme to strengthen links between schools and employers

Secondary schools and employers across the Highlands are coming together through a new partnership programme designed to connect classroom learning with future career opportunities and help develop the Highlands future workforce.   Industry Connect Highland, developed through My Highland Future and Workforce North, will run throughout the 2026/27 academic year with an initial focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  

15/9/2026 : Local Authority

Help Shape Highland's Future: Call for Ideas Extended Until November

Communities, businesses and residents are being given extra time to share ideas that will influence future development and land use across Highland.   The Highland Council has an open Call for Ideas survey, which is inviting people to share ideas on future development and long-term land use in Highland.  

12/9/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness This Week A Region Facing Big Decisions on Energy, Money and Its Future

Caithness has had a busy week, although the individual stories might not initially appear to have much in common.   Look a little more closely, however, and a pattern begins to emerge.