‘Highland housing should not depend on SSEN energy plans’

Not right to rely on energy giant for housing

SSEN’s advertising and self promotion across the media is in full swing and very chilling.

They are offering to bail out the very official bodies that will determine their planning applications.

The promise of 1000 homes, no more than imported-in workers’ cast offs, once construction of their vehemently opposed concrete and steel roadshow is complete could be viewed as a blatant attempt to supply desperately needed housing but only IF they get planning approval.

What is happening now is nothing like the cottages for workers 75 years ago the global investment company would like us to believe. It is not some romantic wistful leap back into bygone times.

Back then rural communities were promised free electricity if they accepted the damming of rivers, the flooding of glens and homes for domestic use electricity.

Of course that never happened and people won’t be so quick to be fooled again.

That electricity wasn’t being produced for profit and export and the further enrichment of wealthy multinationals either. Nor was the destruction of the environment on the epic scale that we are witnessing today.

SSEN is already talking to the government, local authorities and various housing groups waving their rotten carrot of “promises with conditions” under the noses of those too keen to back a scheme before planning applications have even been submitted let alone approved.

Global investment companies making themselves indispensible by supplying much needed homes our policy makers have failed to build; what could possibly go wrong?

People need to realise SSEN is all about profit. It is nothing to do with saving us or the planet. To rely on the likes of Big Energy to provide our tax paid for services is dangerous. It gives them way too much influence in our lives and we can’t vote them out.

By all means charge them much higher planning fees to get in more revenue that elected representatives can spend on what we need – the likes of SSE and SSEN can afford it – but accept NOTHING that is reliant on the planning approval that will rubber stamp their consumer funded financial bonanza.

Lyndsey Ward

Spokeswoman for Communities B4 Power Companies

Beauly

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Council poised for 35% rise in council tax

Highland Council could implement a massive council tax rise amounting to 35 per cent between now and the end of the decade. The figures are contained in the council’s medium term financial plan.

“What exactly do we get for our money? I suggest this is completely down to incompetence as for example the £860,000 paid incorrectly to people who no longer were employed by Highland Council; the legal fight for Academy Street nobody wanted, etc, etc. Whenever we or even the community council members email or ring our councillors in Ballifeary they do not respond, I am not sure if everyone has the same issue? I ask again, show us where the money goes.” - Julie Balfour, Inverness

“Highland Council need to be scrutinised for poor management of funds overall before they whack up council tax, penalising those of us who get very little value for our money.” - Halinka Rands, Drumnadrochit

“So the council lose £700k-plus over Academy Street, pay workers who have left and now want to tax us into the ground. Where is the accountability and who has been sacked for these failures? How many more failures are in the system?” - Nigel Collins, Inverness

“A historic high in tax burden for people across the Highlands and Scotland, alongside years of low wage growth amongst periods of unsteady inflation, will surely mean a 'massive hike' in council tax will be worryingly unwelcome for almost everyone. All budgets - whether council, government or householder are uncomfortably squeezed. Compassion and mindfulness of this would be welcome in setting any new rates by Highland Council.” - Isabel Lockhart

“I have no problem whatsoever with a 35 per cent increase in council tax over the next five years…provided there's a 35 per cent increase in service.” - CA Russell

“Time to split this council up and then council tax rates can be set on a more local level, reflecting the needs of different communities in the region. Currently the worst local authority in Scotland, how can they possibly expect or justify any increase in council tax? Heat your homes and feed yourselves first folks.” - Kim Corbett

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