Check if a school is closed on the Highland council web site. https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures.
A report setting out Highland's Children’s Services Families First strategy was presented to and approved by members of the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee (Thursday, 9 February 2023). The strategy’s vision is summarised simply as: "To safely ensure that children and young people remain with their families and within their Highland communities." It is also underpinned by a set of core principles of family support, which are outcome focused in preserving, protecting and upholding the rights of children within their families in the Highlands.
To mark Safer Internet Day 2023, the Council is providing individuals with advice and resources to equip them with essential knowledge to navigate the online world safely. Safer Internet Day is a global campaign which calls upon people to join together to make the internet a safer and better place for all, especially for children and young people.
Even if Scottish councils were to increase council tax by 5% a year in each of the next two years they may face real-terms cuts to their funding. New analysis by IFS researchers finds that even if Scottish councils were to increase council tax by 5% a year in each of the next two years (adding around £140 to the average band D tax bill), they may face real-terms cuts to their funding.
After health, funding for Scottish councils is the second largest item in the Scottish Government's Budget. In the original 2022-23 budget as passed by the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government allocated £10.6 billion to councils as part of the main local government portfolio, with further funding from other portfolios increasing the amount initially provided in the annual local government finance settlement for resource (i.e.
The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee met (Thursday 2 February 2023) and received a progress update on the recommencement of the legislative process for the Local Visitor Levy Bill, including the likely timescales and implications for its introduction in Highland. Members agreed the Council’s proposed next steps, which include an offer to provide verbal and written evidence to the Scottish Government Parliamentary Committee(s).
Members of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee today (2 February 2023) agreed the local authority’s Delivery Plan for funding received via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: "We welcome this significant funding, it important that, as a council, we move at pace to maximise the very real benefits this additional funding will bring.
Survey launched to understand international interests and aspirations. A public survey to help develop an International Culture Strategy for Scotland has been launched by the Culture Secretary.
At a meeting of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee (Thursday 2 February) members were given an update on the next steps to be taken after an intensive period of public consultations for transport improvement projects, funded by the Scottish Government Bus Partnership Fund. The report presented to the committee follows on from the well-attended public joint consultation event held in Inverness last month which pulled together three of the four transport improvement studies currently underway.
Tha Leasachadh Sgilean na h-Alba (SDS) a' tabhann a' chiad oideachadh-lìn aca a-riamh ann an Gàidhlig gus cuideachadh a thoirt do phàrantan is luchd-cùraim sgoilearan a tha a’ beachdachadh air an cànan ionnsachadh no a tha ag ionnsachadh a’ chànain gu làithreach. Bidh an seisean bhiortail (Diciadain 8 Gearran aig 6:30f) a’ co-roinn fiosrachadh mu sheirbheis dhreuchdan na h-Alba a thuilleadh air togail air na buannachdan co-cheangailte ri bhith ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig airson obraichean san àm ri teachd.
As stated in previous weeks by the Highland Council, all schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday 31st January due to strike action by the EIS union. See https://www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures More Teacher Strikes Very Likely If No Settlement The EIS is planning two more phases of strike action in February and March.
The Highland Council is inviting parents and carers to enrol their child online for the next school session starting on 15 August 2023. Online enrolment for Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) places will open on 13 February 2023.
After along debate today it was agreed to increase council house rent by 4%. The 4% rise increase was agreed despite the fact it will result in less maintenance being carried on houses.
Successful candidate, Kate Lackie, currently Acting Depute Chief Executive/Executive Chief Officer Performance and Governance with the Council takes up the Interim post on 1 February 2023. Ms Lackie was appointed by a senior members' appointment panel on Thursday 19 January 2023 and will take up the role following the departure of Chief Executive, Donna Manson who will be taking up the position of Chief Executive at Devon County Council.
Maps of the Council's gritting routes by priority and policy are available online at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting. The information provided is a summary of reports from operational staff and is intended to give a general indication of typical conditions in each area at a point in time.
Many schools will be closed today due to weather. Parent can check the Highland council web site with pin numbers.
Today marks the official launch of the Spirit:360 digital platform of over 60 artists who received up to £1000 commission each to create works that have been inspired from the theme ‘Spirit of the Highlands'. The online platform features all commissioned artists, each with their own profile page showcasing their work for the project.
Pressure on the Scottish Government to allow councils to double the the council tax on second homes is rising. The Poverty and Inequality Commission made its recommendations in a report in august 2022.
The Highland Council has received an update from the Scottish Government, confirming their proposal to formally amend The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022, to extend the deadline for existing short term let hosts to apply for their license. The proposal will extend the date by which existing hosts/operators (i.e.
Progress continues to be made by The Highland Council to introduce 20 mph speed limits to over 100 sites in 2023. Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Work is ongoing at pace to deliver this ambitious project which will benefit Highland communities.