Budget Challenge 2026/27: Have Your Say

We are forecasting a budget gap of £16.3 million in 2026/27, £16.2 million in 2027/28, and £14.2 million in 2028/29.

As part of addressing this gap, we want to work with our communities to find out what services are important to you, get your views on where we can save money, how we can generate more income, and how we could do things differently.

This is your opportunity to have your say.

0% answered

Section 1 - What services are most important to you?

The Council provides a range of services across the Highland area. Some services are provided to everyone, others people will use at certain times in their lives, whilst other services are specifically for people who may need additional support or have a higher level of needs. Even though you may not need a service yourself, you may recognise the importance of this for other people within your community.

We want to understand what you think are the most important services to you and your family, but also those for your wider community.

What services are most important to you and your family? (Choose top 5)

Road repairs and potholes

Street lighting

Refuse/ bin collection

Burials and cremations

Supporting people into employment

Swimming pools and leisure centres

Environmental health service

Grass cutting and grounds maintenance

Registrars for Births, Deaths, and Marriages

Primary education

Secondary education

Early years and Pre-school services

School meals

Winter road maintenance

Care at home services

Museums

Libraries

Services to reduce offending

Services to protect children from harm

Supporting investment and business

Residential homes for disabled/ elderly people

Community learning/ adult education

Recycling facilities

Public toilets

Planning applications and building warrants

Council Service Points and Service Centre

Services to protect adults at risk of harm e.g violence against women, vulnerable adults

Community and subsidised rural transport routes

Trading Standards

Advice on benefits

Street cleaning

Cycle paths and walking routes

Services to prevent homelessness

Address Climate Change

Housing services

Play parks

What services do you think are the most important for your community? (Choose top 5)