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.

Commenting on the decision to increase Playscheme session fees, 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.”