Grants of up to £3,150 are available to Leisure businesses who have been affected by measures to control the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. These businesses will have had to introduce further physical distancing and capacity limits following the new rules that came into force the day after Boxing Day.
Local government trade unions have today (Tuesday 18 January 2022) submitted a joint pay claim to COSLA calling for a ‘fair and decent' pay increase to make up for decades of cuts and to recognise the vital role these workers have played during the pandemic. The three trade unions - UNISON, Unite and GMB - submitted the pay claim calling for: • A £3,000 flat rate increase to all spinal column points (based on a 35 hr working week).
Hospitality businesses who lost bookings during the Christmas/New Year period are to secure grant support from the Scottish Government. Business will receive either a grant of £4,500 or £6,800 depending on their rateable value.
The Highland Council is piloting a new open market purchase scheme to buy directly from owners in a bid to bolster its housing stock to meet the need for additional affordable housing and provide new homes and futures for families, young and old in communities across the Highlands. The Council is asking anyone considering selling a house to contact them and help make to make a difference to families who are in need of home.
Highland's Online Primary School (HOPS) has launched for P4-P7 pupils to enhance children's learning through a weekly timetable of daily lessons with engaging content. The resource is available on the already established Highland Schools Digital Hub.
The Highland Council is calling on the Scottish Government to provide greater transparency in relation to its budget settlement for local government and is seeking further funding to address a range of significant external budget pressures. The Council has asked the Government to examine the analysis of the budget settlement which shows less money will be flowing into the Highlands from Edinburgh.
Maximising efforts to protect and maintain critical and essential services. Support for social care is to be intensified as a national priority alongside the NHS and emergency services, as staffing pressures and increased demand reflect the extent and nature of the spread and effect of Omicron.
During November and early December, COSLA agreed pay settlements with our Unions for three groups of Scottish Local Government Employees. A summary of the agreed settlements is provided below.
With the role of the Councillor changing dramatically over the last few years, the time is right to review the job - and its pay, COSLA has said. COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison says there has to be a ‘realistic' review of remuneration for the role, and called for the Scottish Government to look at Councillors’ salaries.
Children and staff at Newton Park Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) in Wick have been enjoying marvellous mealtimes! Dedicated staff, supported by the Excellence and Equity leads Heather Sutherland and Natalie Mackay, began looking at the lunch experience through the eyes of their children. They then made contact with Gemma Patterson, a fellow Equity and Excellence lead, who was also working to develop the ‘marvellous meals project' within a number of Falkirk nurseries.
The Highland Council advises its service users and customers of its opening hours and service arrangement over the festive period. The Service Centre will close at 4pm on 24 December, re-opening on 29, 30 and 31 December (opening times 10am to 4pm).
Highland Council's Climate Change and Energy Team have had a productive year and say their crucial work will continue apace in the New Year. As 2021 draws to a close, the team has taken time to reflect on the progress made in 2021 in the Highland region.
The Highland Council is delighted with the success of its HERO scheme which is providing people with new job opportunities and making a real difference to the lives of many who previously were finding it hard to find employment. Since it was launched on the 15 March 2021 HERO (Highland Employment Recruitment Offer), which is run by the Council's Employability Team, has directly supported 225 residents into employment.
The Hospitality Business Support Top-Up Grant Scheme will provide a one-off payment for businesses in the hospitality sector who have lost bookings during December 2021 and January 2022. Business will receive either a grant of £4,500 or £6,800 depending on their rateable value.
The Highland Council has confirmed that designs for the renovation of the Wick Whitechapel Road Public Conveniences have been finalised. They include a new communal entrance, charging gate, internal CCTV, disabled toilet, upgraded showering facilities and a full internal refurbishment.
On behalf of The Highland Council, High Life Highland this week announced Northport as the successful partner for the film input to Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project. The Spirit of the Highlands and Islands project will be delivered in partnership with VisitScotland and aims to deliver benefits for local communities, helping to unlock economic potential and improve visitor experiences across the region by engaging people with our rich natural and cultural heritage.
The Chairs of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure and Education Committees are urging young people and families to be ready for the Young persons' Free bus travel scheme for under 22s next year. Cllr Trish Robertson said: "To take advantage of this free travel 5 - 21-year-olds will need a valid entitlement card.
Members approved a list of offices for review and potential rationalisation as a key part of the 15 year capital strategy plan. Consultation will be undertaken on the properties identified as part of the review process.
Members of the Highland Council have today approved a fifteen year capital plan with a total value of nearly £1bn which will see investment in schools, roads and flood schemes. The 15-year programme is intended to support the delivery of the Council's current programme, to the value of £658.132m which aligns with the Council's long term strategic aims and reflects long term budget planning.