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.
Senior figures at Highland Council met on Monday 12 December 2022 with NatureScot CEO Francesca Osowska to underline its commitment to tackle the climate and ecological emergency and mark the official signing of the Edinburgh Declaration. Highland Council Leader, Cllr Raymond Bremner signed the declaration on behalf of the local authority following a recommendation by Members at the inaugural Climate Change Committee earlier this month.
Four major redesign projects are making progress as set out in a report to Council on 8 December 2022. The four projects which are priority areas for change and improvement are as follows: The Asset Management Project aims to reduce the Council's office estate, making operational cost savings, modernising the working environment, while reducing the Council’s energy use and carbon footprint.
The Highland Council has today (Wednesday 7 December 2022) announced a temporary festive schedule for the air services between Wick and Aberdeen. Agreed in partnership with the operator, Eastern Airways, and local stakeholders, the schedule will operate from 24 December 2022 to 7 January 2023.
The North Devon Gazette today reports the news that Donna Manson, Highland's chief executive as their new top manager. An internal message informing Devon County Council's staff of the appointment says: "Donna has a track record of improvement, best value and successful budget delivery, rebuilding substantial reserves and resilience within The Highland Council, while implementing significant investment projects." The chair of Highland Council, Bill Lobban, said: “Donna has done a tremendous job for The Highland Council in the most difficult and challenging of circumstances and I personally wish her well in taking up her new position with Devon County Council.” Currently paid a reported £159,000 a year for her current role, Ms Manson could be in line for a hefty pay rise for moving south after a report in July concluded a salary of “circa £200,000 would be required to attract and retain” Dr Norrey’s replacement..
The Chief Executive, Donna Manson, has been offered and has accepted the post of Chief Executive for Devon County Council. She will be leaving The Highland Council in February.
Members of The Highland Council's Redesign Board were given a progress report on plans for the Council to launch its in-house bus company on 4 January 2023. The Council has invested in 12 buses, including 6 double deckers to deliver passenger and school transport services at a lower cost than commercial contractors.
At Monday's meeting of the Highland Council’s Redesign Board (28 November 2022) members received an update on progress made with the Roads Improvement Project which is part of the Council’s Business Change programme. The Project’s purpose is to redesign the service and identify opportunities to improve the effective, efficient and sustainable delivery of all Engineering and Roads Operations, while aspiring to improve road condition across the Highlands.
A review of COVID Welfare Support Services by The Highland Council's Internal Audit Section has provided the audit opinion of ‘full assurance' of the work that was carried out by the Council supporting those in most need during the pandemic. Chair of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee Councillor Trish Robertson said: "This is an excellent result mainly for the people who received COVID welfare support but also for the staff in Highland Council’s Service Delivery Team.
Highland schools have made significant progress in improving their attainment outcomes for senior phase SQA results over the last 5 years. Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: "We welcome the positive attainment outcomes covered in the report and further highlighted by the attainment presentation at committee.
Overspends are currently projected on housing repairs, homelessness, and other rent void loss, with the biggest emerging issue on housing repairs. Labour and material costs for housing repairs continue to be affected by rising inflation.