Companies owing Highland Council money could find their bad debts are aired in public in the future.
Councillors are supportive of moves to publicly discuss details of debts which are proposed to be written off by the local authority.
Until now, such cases have been held in private because of fears that confidentiality would be breached.
But at last week’s resources committee, members said that while details of the debts owed by individuals should remain in private, those by companies could be discussed publicly.
Councillor Bill Lobban said: “I see no reason why we should discuss in secret issues which are in the public domain. Information about companies is available from Companies House.”
Councillor David Alston said: “It does seem to me that when it comes to companies it is information that is in the public domain, though it is hard to get hold of.”
Councillor Ken Gowans added: “It is possible that companies named might think it is an incentive to pay their bills.”
However Councillor Helen Carmichael raised concerns and argued many Highland companies were small and run by individuals.
Council officials also warned against the public discussion.
Director of finance Derek Yule said: “My professional opinion is that you could not differentiate between companies. You cannot, I believe, decide on the day to split in private and some in public.
“This would leave you open to criticism. There is a possible comeback from any individual named in discussion about directors of company and naming them.
“You would be exposing yourself to comeback from individuals who could take libel action against you as councillors.
“That is a big concern if you start discussing these issues in public. If any personal details come out, you do run that risk.”
Councillors agreed that a further report should be drawn up for a future meeting, with more details about the risks of publicly discussing company debts to be written off.