Highland Council says 3000 more people could claim pension credits and therefore get winter fuel payments.
The idea is to create a sixth form college accessible online to all pupils in the Highlands to ramp-up learning and attainment.
Top councillors recognise ‘people are under severe financial pressure’ but say taxpayers will see their money’s worth
The £818m draft budget will be debated - and likely agreed - at a full meeting of the local authority next week.
Protections from illegal eviction, rent increases and maintenance to the fore.
Councillor Michael Gregson warns when ‘Highland figures are so poor’ then ‘we need more transparency and openness’.
The local authority vacated the iconic building in 2023 to save an estimated £370,000 annually but has struggled to find tenants.
The local authority admits that it ‘has an impact on service delivery including at school level’.
MSP Edward Mountain is demanding an inquiry into what he says is a ‘fiasco’ after ‘nearly six years of incompetence.
LibDem MP warns costs are fuelling the Highlands having the second highest fuel poverty rate in the UK.
Labour energy minister Michael Shanks says the north hosting such projects is ‘doing a favour for the rest of the country’.
The administration argues the rise is needed to fund maintenance, repairs, and debt.
In its formal response councillors backed the view of officials the road network in the north is too big.
The response cites ‘significant length of national speed limit road network and remoteness’ of the area.
The move ‘an exciting opportunity for something new in the Highlands’ but is subject to funding.
The ‘significant burden’ of loan charges consumes 43% of the budget while 31% goes on repairs and maintenance.
Ruth Fry takes up £109k chief officer job while Paul Reid takes on fleet and facilities
The group Living Rent says ‘addressing housing inequality takes priority over expanding an already booming tourist sector’.
It comes amid misinformation claims that the law compels its introduction when it does not.
The rises of 19 per cent and 28 per cent come after Chief Superintendent Rob Shepherd warned “something has to give”.