Highland Council Allocates More Cash For Schools in Budget Proposals

27th February 2026

The Highland Council's budget proposals for 2026/27, announced in February 2026, include several key funding allocations for schools aimed at infrastructure and specialized service support.

Capital Investment & Infrastructure
Highland Investment Plan: The council proposes to set aside 2% of its annual Council Tax revenue specifically for this plan. This fund is part of a broader £2.1 billion, 20-year capital programme focused on improving local infrastructure, including the replacement or refurbishment of approximately 90 schools.

New School Construction: Preferred contractors have already been appointed for eight new schools located in Beauly, Dingwall, Fortrose, Inverness, Thurso, and Tornagrain.

Revenue & Service Investment
Targeted Education Support: The latest proposals include part of a £12.2 million package of new investment intended to strengthen key services, including education and workforce development.

Ongoing Education Commitments: These 2026 proposals build on the previous year's £4.3 million investment, which prioritised:

Additional Support Needs (ASN): Strengthening specialist teacher provision and creating professional pathways for support staff.

Teacher Capacity: Increasing staffing to allow more time for curricular planning and senior leadership building.

Pupil Equity Fund: Top-up funding to help close the attainment gap for pupils impacted by poverty.

Budget Context & Funding Sources
Council Tax Increase: To fund these investments, a 7% increase in Council Tax has been proposed. Of this, 5% is allocated to balancing the general budget, while 2% is ring-fenced for the Highland Investment Plan's schools and roads projects.
Scottish Government Funding: The council is set to receive £660.2 million from the Scottish Government for 2026/27, which is £17 million more than the previous year's settlement.

Councillors are scheduled to meet on Thursday, 5 March 2026, to officially consider and decide on these final budget proposals.

 

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