Cost of Living

Consultation has been extended over planned council rent increases of up to 10 per cent.

That is despite a large increase in Scottish Government funding announced in the draft budget.

Expert advisers based in the Highlands say they are able to offer help to householders who are facing rising energy bills this winter.

A “stark jump” in the number of homeless Highland children is a direct result of “cruel austerity policies”, an MSP has said after demanding action.

Pupils from four schools in Inverness and Nairn are helping to spread festive cheer by volunteering their services for a special mission.

The council is seeking views over options to increase house rents by 8, 9 or 10 per cent - warning that the money raised is vital for maintenance.

A foodbank in Inverness has been awarded £25,000 as it faces rising demands for help amid the cost of living crisis.

MacIntosh Restaurant and Takeaway, based inside Crown Court Hotel on Southside Road, will be opening its doors to people from 12pm daily.

A much-loved café which has been “extremely quiet” since a devastating nearby fire has warned it “could be forced to close” unless trade improves.

But what does that mean for the Highlands including vital sectors like the whisky industry?

The rises are the local authority’s way of dealing with both a massive deficit and to invest in infrastructure.

Rachel Reeves’ inexplicable and extraordinary winter fuel betrayal is a whole lot worse than "Maggie Thatcher Milk Snatcher", says our columnist.

She says ‘I hope that proposed refinancing solutions can ensure the long-term sustainability of the club’.

She says ‘one of Labour’s very first decisions’ was to scrap winter fuel payments leaving over 800,000 pensioners with less money to heat their homes.

A disabled pensioner is being pursued for a £12,000 council tax debt owed by his dead mum.

Hundreds of pounds have been raised for a prominent children’s charity appeal thanks to the efforts of pupils at an Inverness school.

Just 6772 now qualify which is a drop of 88 per cent in the part of the UK with some of the harshest weather and highest fuel poverty.

It is one year since Inverness Foodstuff - tackling food poverty and social isolation - expanded its work from Ness Bank Church into Hilton.

Is the cost-of-living crisis still with us?

A cycling-themed social enterprise is hoping to secure Inverness Common Good funding to boost bicycle use among those low in skills and confidence.