Council Agrees A New Draft Highland Outcome Improvement Plan
15th March 2024
Highland Council members have considered and agreed a revised draft Highland Outcome Improvement Plan.
The partnership plan has been reviewed and updated by the Community Planning Partnership. It sets out strategic priorities and how public bodies will work together to improve outcomes for communities.
The Community Planning Partners work together and with the local community to plan for, resource and provide or secure the provision of services which improve local outcomes.
The Highland Outcome Improvement Plan has been reviewed and updated in light of the changing local picture since the covid pandemic, the cost of living crisis and the current financial challenges facing both the public and third sectors.
Chair of Communities and Place Committee, Cllr Graham MacKenzie welcomed the work which had been done to review the plan. He said: "Working together in partnership is crucial to delivering better outcomes for our communities. This revised plan is an excellent framework for partnership working in the future. The updated plan reflects the changing economic context in the Highlands and the issues of depopulation. Our shared ambition is sustaining rural communities across the Highlands, responding to the needs of our communities and reducing inequalities."
The plan's strategic priorities are:
People - Enable people to live independently, safe and well within their community
Place - Work in partnership to develop sustainable and resilient local communities
Prosperity - Creating opportunities for all people and places to prosper and thrive economically
A delivery plan will be developed which will detail the actions partners need to take to deliver the vision and strategic priorities for the partnership. Engagement will take place across the partnership and communities over the next few months to inform the delivery plan and the actions needed.
Related Businesses
Related Articles
Highland Councillors will be asked to consider a new approach on the future of the Highland Investment Plan (HIP). Approval is being sought for the allocation of funding for the first phase of proposed projects for 2024/25 to 2029/30 which will help improve local public facilities and sustain local communities and population.
The Inverness Castle Experience is delighted to announce the appointment of three senior roles, adding to its leadership team ahead of its highly anticipated opening later this summer. The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
Members of today's Corporate Resources Committee (Thursday, 20 March) were presented with and approved the organisation’s Talent Strategy and Talent Action Plan These have been designed to support initiatives to grow and retain talent within the Council, ensuring a sustainable workforce for the future. The Talent Action Plan includes initiatives such as developing apprenticeship programmes, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and promoting flexible work models.
The Highland Council has today received confirmation from Scottish Government that it will continue to provide funding to the Wick-Aberdeen Public Service Obligation (PSO) into financial year 2025/26. The funding provided by Scottish Government in 2025/26 will be up to £1 million, as in previous years, and The Highland Council will continue with its own already agreed commitment of £300,000.
As agreed at The Highland Council's budget meeting on Thursday 6 March, more than £2 million has been approved for investment in environmental and community services throughout the Highlands including a community development fund, a community-focused operating model, Access Rangers and grass cutting maintenance. Councillor Bill Lobban, Convener of Highland Council, said: "These investments reinforce our commitment to working with communities to create a resilient, sustainable and nature-positive Highland.
The Highland Council is taking part in the 2025 Welcome to Your Vote Week campaign run by the Electoral Commission which launches today (Monday 10 March). Every year the Electoral Commission asks schools, colleges, youth groups and universities to celebrate democracy by teaching democratic education with their students and young people.
A £4.3m investment for education was agreed in Highland Council's 2025/26 budget. This investment is a key indicator of change for Highland schools, its 31,000 pupils and their 2,000+ teachers and support staff that will further consolidate the Council's on-going path to improvement.
Highland council agreed a 7% increase in Council Tax, one of the lowest increases in Scotland, with 2% of this allocated to create capital investment fund for schools and roads as part of the Highland Investment Plan. Members agreed a budget which will see over £4.5 million of revenue investments for 2025 - 2026, over £17 million additional reserves investment for major developments and the creation of over 100 jobs across the Highlands.
As part of The Highland Council's proposed three-year Medium Term Financial Plan, £14 million has been allocated for expansion of bus company operations across the Highlands and shared investment in renewable energy opportunities. £6 million is proposed to be allocated for an ‘Investment in Community Transport’ programme to build on the success of the Council’s in-house bus service by expanding its services to benefit more communities across the Highlands.
After receiving numerous complaints from businesses and the public, Highland Council Trading Standards has seized a significant quantity of illicit tobacco products from a retailer in the Highlands. This operation underlines the Council's commitment to protecting consumers and supporting legitimate businesses.
