The council needs to identify an additional £39.2 million in savings over the next three years to achieve a balanced financial plan. This is in response to rising costs and ongoing economic challenges, adding to the £32.8 million in savings already agreed for 2027/28 and 2028/29.
The engagement is live on The Highland Council website via the Engage Highland platform. The initial phase features the Council’s Budget Simulator, an interactive tool allowing users to explore budget challenges, identify potential spending reductions, and suggest income generation opportunities. Users can submit their proposed budgets and comments to help shape council priorities.
Further engagement opportunities will be rolled out in the coming weeks, including a tailored budget survey and an online ideas board. Focus groups will also be held with community councils, tenant and business forums, third sector organisations, and parent councils before the end of the year.
“"The Highland Council has made significant progress in recent years in addressing budget pressures, and our approach to financial planning has been recognised by Audit Scotland. However, rising costs and wider economic challenges continue to put significant pressures on local government budgets. We deliver services that people rely on every day, so it’s essential residents, communities, business and young people help shape the decisions we make. This consultation will provide a range of ways for people to get involved and share their views, starting with the budget simulator. We want to hear from as many people as possible before we finalise our budget plans."
Separately, COSLA has called on the Scottish Government for a fairer funding settlement to address rising costs and demand for local services, seeking increased investment, inflation-proofed funding, greater local flexibility, and multi-year settlements.
