Highland Council has set out its priorities for the Highlands in a programme known as ‘Local Voices, Highland Choices’.
The council has labelled its vision as an ‘ambitious, sustainable and connected Highland’ with 51 commitments to be delivered over the next three years.
Among its key priorities for 2019-2022 are roads maintenance, infrastructure and winter maintenance; caring for vulnerable adults and children; supporting older people to stay in their own homes; involving communities in decision making; local housing infrastructure to support sustainable communities and rural jobs; improving educational outcomes; support for tourism infrastructure and support for local jobs across the Highlands.
These priorities were drawn from an extensive period of public consultation and engagement which started last November.
The council also says it wants to attract more people to make the Highlands their home and younger residents to stay; and it will protect and enhance the region’s natural resources, culture and heritage providing opportunities to develop new cultural experiences for all.
The council pledges to work with NHS Highland to continue to shift the balance of care to more community settings.
Devolving more powers, responsibilities and budgets to the area committees is also a key outcome listed by the council.