Highland community council groups' anger at Christmas tree bill
NEWLY formed community councils face a shock Christmas tree bill which could hit them for up to 80 per cent of their total annual funding.
Groups are to be billed by Highland Council for the erection of community trees and lights as well as insurance, despite the fact that letters informing them of the costs were not sent out until after they disbanded in September, at the end of their current term.
Many are still to get back up and running after elections, potentially under new leadership, and may not even know about the bill that is coming their way.
The council is quoting a price of £200+VAT for delivery of trees plus a further £150 to cover the cost of erecting lights.
Community councils receive just £550 a year from the local authority to cover administrative costs.
* Read the full story in today's Highland News.
