‘Cyberflashing' will become a new criminal offence with perpetrators facing up to two years behind bars under new laws to be introduced by the Government. Online Safety Bill will include new cyberflashing offence.
The Annual Report of Statutory Performance Indicators (SPIs) and Best Value for financial year 2020-21 set against the context of COVID, was considered by members of The Highland Council when they met on 10 March 2022. The report tells the story of how COVID has impacted significantly across the Council's SPIs and this context, combined with a change in the way the Scottish Government has measured some performance indicators, means that an overall assessment of Council performance cannot be made.
Following discussion in private (due to commercial confidentiality requirements) The Council has agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with H2 Green Ltd. The agreement explores opportunities to develop a regional green hydrogen network across the Highlands.
Developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivered mostly online, Pathfinder Accelerator provides fast-track training and mentoring for entrepreneurs looking to build a company or launch a new product. Businesses have until 20 April to apply to be part of this next cohort, which starts in May and is funded by the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.
Highland Council will shortly be sending out letters to randomly selected residents across the Highlands, inviting individuals to participate in the Council's Citizens’ Panel. A Citizens' Panel is a group of residents within a Local Authority area which is asked for their views on a range of topics and subjects to help inform policy and priorities.
Highland Council has been updated on collaborative work between the council and partners to address skills gaps, attract key workers, retain young people and build healthy, sustainable communities. Members noted the progress of the Strategic Partnership Priority "People - Living Healthy, Thriving and Inclusive Lives, which is the third priority of the “Future Highlands" strategy considered by the Council in September 2021.
The Minister for Europe and International Development, Neil Gray, has been given responsibility for the Scottish Government's approach to supporting Ukrainian refugees arriving and living in Scotland. Mr Gray will lead the Scottish Government's engagement and partnership work with local authorities, COSLA, the third sector and other agencies, and engage with the UK Government to press for swift and coordinated humanitarian action and support.
Over £4 billion of government-wide investment will support shipyards, alongside new measures to drive the UK's shipbuilding future. The UK's world-renowned shipbuilding industry will be revitalised through a refreshed National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Joint leaders' statement by the leaders of the G7. We the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) remain resolved to stand with the Ukrainian people and government who heroically resist Russian President Vladimir Putin's military aggression and war of choice against their sovereign nation.
Drug and alcohol services in Scotland are complex and a clear plan is needed to improve people's lives and increase transparency around spending. Drug-related deaths have been rising steeply since 2013.
First Minister urges Prime Minister to act with humanity and compassion. A lack of clarity from the UK Government around settlement programmes and complex visa processes is delaying Scotland from welcoming refugees from Ukraine, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Highland Council has been updated on collaborative work between the council and partners to address skills gaps, attract key workers, retain young people and build healthy, sustainable communities. Members noted the progress of the Strategic Partnership Priority "People - Living Healthy, Thriving and Inclusive Lives, which is the third priority of the "Future Highlands" strategy considered by the Council in September 2021.
It's two weeks since the world woke up to the dreadful news of a Russian attack to Ukraine. Despite the incalculable costs in terms of human lives, as well as human capital and physical infrastructure, we've seen much turbulence in the financial markets.
The destruction of unsold, durable goods could be banned as part of plans to reduce waste, Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater has announced. Proposals for a ban will be put forward in a consultation on a new Circular Economy Bill, to be published in May.
Russia has threatened to close a major gas pipeline to Europe in retaliation for countries considering bans on Russian oil imports. This could drive up prices due to lack of supply internationally, which would affect even countries like the UK which do not use much Russian gas.
From the Blog at OFGEM on 10 March 2022. Charging an EV will become as familiar to us as filling up at the pump is today.
Members, at their final meeting of full Council today, welcomed the annual report by Dr Tim Allison, NHS Highland's Director of Public Health, which focuses on mental health and suicide within the local population. Stark figures and statistics throughout the report highlight the enormity of the issue within the NHS Highland area, alongside the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 in intensifying the matter.
What to do if you think you've spotted a scam pretending to be from Companies House, and examples of scam emails, letters and telephone calls. For full information go HERE.
A customs easement is now in place making it easier to move aid and donations to help the people of Ukraine. Moving aid and donations to the people of Ukraine will be made easier thanks to a customs easement, the UK Government announced today.
The conflict in Ukraine will have far-reaching economic consequences. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research forecasts that it could knock one percentage point off global GDP in 2023 - equivalent to around a trillion US dollars or £760 billion.
