Caithness Should Go It Alone, Heart Group Thanks, and Thurso Parking Plans

Thurso: Recently, there’s been a lot of chatter about Caithness wanting to stand on its own. The Highland Council is planning to hike council tax by 7% each year for the next five years. That’s a big deal, especially when inflation is only around 2.6%.

People are doing the math and realizing that the total increase will actually be over 40%, not the 35% the council claims. If your bill starts at £1000, by the end of five years, you could be paying around £1402.55. That’s a hefty jump!

And it doesn’t stop there. The council is also looking to raise house rents by up to 10% next year, which is way above inflation. Plus, they’re introducing a “Tourist Levy” that seems to hit locals harder than tourists. It’s frustrating for folks already feeling the pinch from rising living costs.

There was a recent motion to break up the Highland Council, but it only missed passing by five votes. Some councillors really need to think about what their constituents want instead of just sticking with the status quo. A referendum might be a good idea to let the people decide.

On a brighter note, the Caithness Heart Support Group has had a successful year, raising funds for vital equipment like ECG machines and defibrillators. They’ve received generous donations from the community, which has made a real difference.

As for the parking proposals in Thurso, there’s been some confusion. A public consultation is in the works, and it’s important for everyone to know that no decisions have been made yet. The council is just gathering ideas right now, and there’s still time for public input.

So, it’s a mixed bag for Caithness. There are challenges ahead, but the community spirit is strong, and people are ready to voice their opinions and support each other.