The council’s Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024 – 2027 provides an alternative approach to economic development and a practical response that aims to keep wealth within a local area. Often described as a ‘people-centred approach to economic development’ it aims to ensure every area and community can participate in, and benefit from, economic activity. 

At the council meeting in September 2024, when members approved the CWB Strategy and Action Plan, a commitment was given to provide bi-annual progress reports to the Economy and Infrastructure Committee.

Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “The council administration’s ‘Our Future Highland’ programme places people at its very heart, and through community wealth building we can bring people together to promote wellbeing, reduce inequalities, and deliver improved outcomes for people in Highland. 

“I look forward to the Committee having the chance to look at the progress being made to date on the action plan that will allow us to be ambitious in establishing the foundations of a brighter and more sustainable future for our communities.” 

Last year public opinion was such during a 12 week on a draft strategy previously approved by Councillors in March 2024. Feedback from this engagement has informed a revised version of the strategy and action plan which sets out a 3-year vision for taking forward and embedding the Council’s approach to Community Wealth Building.

The Council will deliver its vision through five key objectives that align with five pillars of community wealth building. These objectives are headed as: ‘Spending’, ‘Fair Employment’, ‘Land and Property’, ‘Financial Power’, and ‘Inclusive Ownership’.