Caithness Committee Meeting Topics For 3 November 2025

29th October 2025

The Caithness Committee of the Highland Council met on 3 November 2025 to discuss a range of issues affecting residents across the region. From housing performance to community funding, the meeting offered insights into how local services are evolving and where public money is being invested.

Housing Management Performance: April-September 2025
The committee reviewed a report on housing services across Caithness, focusing on tenancy management, rent collection, and repairs. Highlights included:

Rent Collection
Performance remained strong, with most tenants keeping up with payments.

Void Properties
The time taken to re-let empty homes will be discussed, with efforts underway to reduce delays.

Repairs & Maintenance
Response times for urgent and routine repairs were evaluated, with targets mostly being met.

This report helps the Council identify areas for improvement and ensure tenants receive reliable service.

Short-Term Let Control Area Proposal
A significant item on the agenda was the proposal to designate Caithness as a Short-Term Let Control Area. This would give the Council more oversight of holiday rentals, which can impact housing availability and affordability.

Why It Matters
With rising demand for short-term lets, especially in scenic areas like Caithness, local residents may struggle to find long-term housing.

Next Steps
The committee considered feedback from public consultations and discussed how the policy might be implemented.

This proposal reflects growing concerns about balancing tourism with community needs.

Bereavement Services Update
The committee received an update on cemetery maintenance and bereavement services. Key points included:

Infrastructure Improvements
Ongoing upgrades to burial grounds and facilities.

Service Accessibility
Ensuring respectful and inclusive services for all residents.

Invitation to Pay Scheme
Income & Allocation
The Invitation to Pay scheme allows voluntary contributions for parking in certain areas. The committee reviewed:

Income Generated
Funds collected from Wick's scheme are outlined.

Proposed Allocations: Suggestions included using the money for public amenities and local improvements.

This scheme empowers communities to reinvest in their own spaces.

Common Good Funds
Wick & Thurso
Both Wick and Thurso Common Good Funds were reviewed, with reports covering:

Quarter 2 Monitoring
Financial performance and spending were tracked.

Wick Parking Scheme
Income from the Invitation to Pay scheme was linked to the Wick fund, supporting local projects.

These funds are crucial for maintaining community assets and supporting grassroots initiatives.

Governance
Approval of Previous Minutes
The minutes from the previous meeting (4 August 2025) were approved, confirming decisions made earlier in the year.

For more details on each topic read the papers at
https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/5248/caithness_committee

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Faces a £39.2 Million Budget Gap: Will Council Taxpayers and Services Pay the Price?

Highland Council is facing another difficult financial challenge, with councillors being told that a further £39.2 million in savings must be found over the next three years to balance the authority's finances.   The announcement, made at the full council meeting on 29 October 2026, represents a substantial deterioration in the financial outlook.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Visitor Levy Consultation In-person Events Announced

Residents, businesses, community groups and visitors are encouraged to continue to take part in a series of public engagement events to learn more about the proposed Highland Visitor Levy and how they can contribute to the statutory public consultation.   In addition to the online webinars held earlier in the process, a programme of in-person events will continue throughout November.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Highland Council agrees budget engagement programme

Members of the public, community groups, the business sector and young people will be invited to share their views on how The Highland Council balances its budget and plans spend over the next three years.   The Council needs to find £39.2 million of additional savings over the next three years to deliver a balanced financial plan, driven largely by the impact of rising costs and the ongoing impact of wider economic events.  

29/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Hidden Cost of a 1% Capital Budget Cut: Could Scotland's Schools, Roads and Highland Investment Plans Be Affected?

The Chancellor's decision to reduce departmental capital budgets by 1% could have consequences well beyond Westminster.  Scotland faces a reduction in capital funding, while Highland Council is embarking on a £2.1 billion investment programme that includes a proposed £100 million education campus in Thurso.  

28/10/2026 : Local Authority

When Fuel Prices Rise, Who Pays the Bill for Public Services?

Councils, the NHS and other public bodies face a difficult choice when rising diesel and energy costs threaten the contractors they depend on.  School transport in rural Scotland illustrates the problem.  

27/10/2026 : Local Authority

Gaelic Spending Under Scrutiny: Can Highland Council Afford Another Post While Jobs Are Under Pressure?

The council has legal responsibilities to support Gaelic, but with budgets stretched and services facing difficult choices.  Residents are entitled to ask how priorities are decided across the Highlands.  

24/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Libraries, Leisure Centres and Local Culture Face Growing Pressure as Council Charges Rise

Audit Scotland warns that cuts to community services could deepen inequalities, while councils lack the evidence to measure the full consequences.   Scotland’s councils are spending less on culture and leisure services while asking the public to pay more to use them, raising questions about the future of libraries, swimming pools, sports facilities, museums and other important parts of community life.  

23/10/2026 : Local Authority

Trading Standards warns of Council Tax refund scam emails

The Highland Council has received reports from customers who have been sent emails containing links to claim an alleged Council Tax refund.   The emails appear to be from a sender describing themselves as the "Council Revenue Authority" team.  

14/10/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's Offices: Go Digital, Bring in Mobile Offices and Save Money?

The banks have closed branches across the Highlands and customers have adapted.  With Highland Council facing serious financial pressures, is it time to rethink permanent offices and take council services directly to the people who need them? There was a time when going to the bank meant visiting a branch.