Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland said rising costs had put the scheme in danger.
A charity in Aberdeen providing a playscheme for autistic and neurodivergent young people has warned of the effect rising costs on its services.
Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND) has cited a lack of funding support as the reason for a 20% cost increase for its Aberdeen Playscheme sessions.
To reduce the financial burden for the families it supports, the charity had previously been absorbing the increasing costs, totalling more than £86,000 in the last year.
In response to rising National Insurance, operational, and Living Wage costs, the charity contacted the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils to appeal for an increase in funding last August, however these requests were denied.
The session cost per child, which includes specialist support for autistic and neurodivergent children, amounts to just over £190, rising to more than £200 in April 2025, however the local authorities contribute a maximum of £165 towards this. Despite rising costs and inflation, this funding has not changed since 2022.
This month, Aberdeen City Council has agreed to provide an increased backdated payment of 6.9% and is engaged in continuing conversations to help find a further solution that will lessen the impact on local families in April 2025, however Aberdeenshire Council has declined several invitations to be involved in negotiations.
CEO of A-ND, Billy Alexander said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and we have done everything in our power to lessen the impact this will have on the families we work with. In doing so, we have operated at a deficit, but with the projected annual shortfall set to increase to more than £114,000, our Aberdeen playscheme and worse, organisation, will not survive without increasing the costs.
“We remain fully committed to the families we support, and we welcome ongoing conversations with Aberdeen City Council and remain hopeful that Aberdeenshire Council will engage with us to find a solution to ensure funding is in place to prevent financial hardship for families. We can no longer bear the burden of delivering statutory services without the support of local authorities.”
A-ND Chairperson, Terry Allan, added: “Without urgent intervention, this failure to invest in third-sector services will lead to the collapse of essential lifelines for neurodiverse individuals and their families, a situation that can no longer be ignored.”
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: “Whilst we appreciate the financial difficulties the third sector is facing, Aberdeenshire Council has no contract with A-ND around the playscheme provision they provide in Aberdeen City.
“Families in Aberdeenshire can choose to use A-ND as part of their Self Directed Support package, but it is down to those families to choose a provider based on their need and using their allocated budget.
“We continue to work closely with our families so that they are fully informed of the impact of the cost increase and support them to make decisions that are in the best interests of their children.”
Aberdeen City was approached for comment.
