The total bill for the local authority’s highest earners has risen five fold in the last five years.
Fans of Swedish furniture giant Ikea will find it even easier to get their design fix after plans for a new facility in Inverness got the green light.
A £300 million deal will help more than double the number of EV charge points in the Highlands before the end of 2027.
Opposition councillors sought a more nuanced approach including a review but administration bosses out voted them down.
But staff still got £624k more than they should despite tough new measures.
Edward Mountain says original Transport Bill targeted high risk areas so people would comply with the new limits.
Almost one in four pavement parking fines have gone unpaid in the Highlands since the national ban was introduced.
Officials insist ‘few people’ who actually support the scheme engage with consultation.
Development comes as audit finds £624,000 was wrongly paid to past and present staff.
MSP Douglas Ross who accused the SNP of failing to address concerns.