What the council does
The Highland Council (Full Council) holds powers that are not delegated to committees or officers. It is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the council and making key decisions.
Read the council’s minutes and agendas
Its remit includes:
- defining the council’s goals, values and main objectives, and deciding on its priorities
- allocating resources across council functions and activities to reflect those priorities
- approving the annual revenue and capital budgets
- setting council tax, housing rent (HRA) and other housing charges
- approving the council’s programme, including its contribution to the Local Outcome Improvement Plan
- approving local plans for Police and Fire Services every three years, and providing annual strategic scrutiny and engagement. Regular scrutiny and engagement on delivery is carried out locally
- providing strategic direction and oversight for the council’s participation in community planning, including its contribution to the Local Outcome Improvement Plan
- making new policies or substantially extending or modifying existing policies that are not otherwise delegated to a committee
- making schemes to regulate the work and performance of committees and sub-committees
- evaluating, coordinating and reviewing the work and performance of all committees
- electing the Convener, Leader of the Council, Depute Leader of the Council and both Vice Conveners
- fixing the constitution, membership, functions and powers of the council’s committees, and amending them as needed
- appointing the chairs and vice-chairs of committees
- confirming the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition, following nomination by the largest political group in opposition to the administration
Further details about the council’s remit and delegated powers are available in the council’s Scheme of Delegation.