Highland Council Supporting Challenge Poverty Week 2022 (3-9 October)

6th October 2022

The Highland Council is once again supporting Challenge Poverty Week, which this year runs from 3 - 9th October.

The Scotland-wide campaign, led by the Poverty Alliance, is designed to raise awareness that poverty exists in Scotland and restricts people's ability to take part in society.

In support of the campaign, Leader of the Highland Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner, said: "The Council has given its backing to this campaign for several years now, however, the financial backdrop this year is unique and presents unprecedented challenges for Highland citizens."

“The cost-of-living crisis we are currently experiencing illustrates that this is a pivotal year to give our support to the campaign and raise awareness of the damaging impact of poverty.”

Cllr Bremner added: “This is a challenging time for everyone in our Highland communties and the Council recently agreed a package of support to help people during what will be a difficult time.

“This includes a cost of living support payment of £145 to households in receipt of council tax reduction or exemptions; extending the existing free school meal holiday payments to include weekend provision to Easter 2023; the launch of a grant scheme to support community-led initiatives and additional support to FareShare to purchase food for distribution across the Highlands.”

He added: “It is important that people know where to go to ask for advice and information. The Council’s Welfare Support team and the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau advisers can help to identify all entitlements due and support clients to take these up.

“We know that customers receiving this support often express the relief they feel, and the positive impacts on their wellbeing.”

During Challenge Poverty Week Highland Council will take the opportunity to promote information through its social media channels about where households in Highland affected by, or at risk from, poverty, can seek help and advice.

The Poverty Alliance which organises Challenge Poverty Week reminds us that 1 in 5 people in Scotland today are living with the constant pressure of trying to get by on an insufficient income.

Low wages, inadequate social security payments, and the rising cost of living are holding people back.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

1/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Candidates for Highland Council Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness By-Election confirmed

Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness by-election.  There are 5 candidaes.  

Today : Local Authority

Head Teacher at Thurso High School, outlined measures that have helped improve educational outcomes

Highland Council’s strategy to raise attainment in the region is making good progress, with encouraging early data emerging from this year's examination results.   Last week councillors on the education committee noted the work undertaken in Highland Council's Education and Learning Improvement Plan (ELIP) and the associated Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy (RAAS).  

28/8/2026 : Local Authority

Council Funded Advice services assist 25,000 customers and exceed £30.3 million in financial gains

Almost 25,000 customers were assisted by the Council’s Welfare Support Team and Citizens Advice during 2025/26 for support with welfare, debt and housing issues.   As a result, financial gains for clients exceeded £30.3 million, representing a £18.84 return for every £1 allocated to these services by the Council.  

28/8/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do We Need a New Kind of Cemetery? Could Highland's Greenspaces Help Make Funerals More Affordable?

There may be no more appropriate time to ask Highland Council whether we need to rethink the way we remember those who have died.   The Council has just launched a six-week consultation on its draft Greenspace Biodiversity Management Strategy 2026-2030.  

26/8/2026 : Local Authority

The Triple Squeeze: Energy, Mortgages and Council Tax — How Much More Can Households Take?

There is a point at which individual increases in household costs stop being individual problems and become something much bigger.   A £100 increase in the annual energy bill may be manageable.  

24/8/2026 : Local Authority

Thurso Schools: Public Meeting and Statutory Consultation – Key Dates

Highland Council has now formally launched its statutory consultation on proposals to replace Thurso High School and reorganise primary school provision in the town.   The consultation concerns the proposed relocation of Thurso High School, Pennyland Primary School and Miller Academy Primary School to a new education campus based around the existing Thurso High School site and the proposed Community Point of Delivery.  

21/8/2026 : Local Authority

Public consultation to help shape future policy protecting Highland's dark skies

Councillors have approved the launch of a public consultation on draft guidance aimed at reducing light pollution across the Highlands, supporting environmental protection, public wellbeing and the area's internationally recognised dark skies.   Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee yesterday (Thursday 20 August) agreed to publish the draft Reducing Light Pollution: Good Practice Guidance for consultation, once minor clarifications are included, giving residents, communities, businesses and developers the opportunity to help shape future policy.  

21/8/2026 : Local Authority

Highland bus service improvement plans

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has endorsed plans to launch a 12-week public consultation on a proposed Highland Bus Service Improvement Partnership (BSIP), giving communities, passengers and stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the future of bus services across the region.   The consultation will seek views on draft proposals developed by The Highland Council in partnership with HITRANS and bus operators to improve the operational performance, accessibility, attractiveness and consistency of bus services across Highland.  

19/8/2026 : Local Authority

Demand for social housing remains high across Highland Butit is part of a biggr Scottish Problem

Demand for social housing across the Highlands remains high, with almost 8,826 households on the Highland Housing Register (HHR).   Housing and Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “The demand for social housing across Highland remains significant and continues to outstrip the number of homes available in many areas.  

19/8/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council to consider Draft Visitor Levy Scheme at Special Meeting

A special meeting of The Highland Council will take place Tuesday 25 August 2026 to consider a draft Visitor Levy proposal.   No decision is being sought at this stage on whether a Visitor Levy should be introduced in the Highlands.