Highland Council proposes budget for investment and growth
The 3-year Medium Term Financial Plan going to Highland Council on 6 March 2025, sets out recommendations to deliver a balanced budget, utilising a 7% increase in Council Tax, with 2% of this set aside for investment in schools and roads.
The budget proposals, if agreed, would see over 100 jobs created across the Highlands, over £4.5 million revenue investments for 2025 – 2026 and over £17 million additional reserves investment earmarked for major developments on behalf of Highland residents.
Wide ranging stakeholder consultation on budgets which has taken place over the past 18 months has been drawn on to inform decisions.
The financial report includes information relating to budget assumptions, risks, pressures, growth and investment, as well as savings, reserves and council tax. It also reflects the implications of the UK Government Budget and Scottish Government’s budget 2025/26.
There is a major programme of investment built into the proposals, utilising additional funds from UK and Scottish Government, as well as proposals developed by the council’s administration.
Leader of the Council Raymond Bremner said: “Our planned investment programme will create jobs and economic prosperity across the region and will help to sustain our Highland communities.
“The additional funding received from Defra for the Extender Producer Responsibility waste scheme (£9.500m), the additional income we recovered over and above expectations last year (£3.349m), and the impact of previously delivered savings, have accelerated the speed at which the Highland Council is progressing to a sustainable financial position.”
Convener of the Council Bill Lobban said: “These budget proposals underline our steadfast journey towards our objective of financial sustainability. They would also ensure the Highland Council will not require to use Reserves to balance its budget and therefore is taking a major step on its pathway to financial security, which will be of great reassurance to our 10,000 employees.”
The budget report and proposals are available on the Council’s website.