Autism care across Moray could be on the verge of collapse, with a leading charity threatening to close its centres in the midst of a wrangle with the council.
Parents of youngsters with the disorder have been told that Scottish Autism could shut its homes unless cash woes can be addressed.
One father has warned the loss of the vital services could have “catastrophic consequences” for his son.
Scottish Autism currently runs four residential care units in Elgin and Lossiemouth to provide specialist round-the-clock care for those who need it.
However, the organisation says it can no longer run the service sustainably because Moray Council is “refusing” to pass on cash contributions for staff members’ pensions and national insurance, stemming from the living wage increase.
Bosses have also accused the authority of failing to meet its obligations to those with the condition.
Talks are due to take place next week between Scottish Autism and Health and Social Care Moray in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
Yesterday, Buckie father William Marandola said he feared the upheaval of changing carers could be catastrophic for his 17-year-old son Carlo, who lives in one of the Elgin homes.
He said: “To my eyes, it looks like the council has taken the money that was due for the charity and spent it on something else. You can’t expect a charity to keep running a service at a loss.
“If Scottish Autism pulls out then it would probably mean all new carers for Carlo – they would probably get a lower wage with a new employer. You wouldn’t blame them for moving on.
“These are specialist people, trained especially for autism. It’s not as simple as just getting other carers in.
“Carlo doesn’t react well to new people, it takes a while for them to win his trust.”
Three children and a young adult are currently supported by the charity in Moray.
Sessions to reduce the stress levels of the residents have been credited with “transforming” the quality of their lives.
Last night, Scottish Autism explained it could no longer afford to run the service but would meet Health and Social Care Moray officials next week in an effort to keep the homes running.
A spokesman said: “Despite a commitment from the Scottish Government that the additional costs of the living wage would be passed on to suppliers, Moray Council is refusing to pay employer’s national insurance costs and pension payments associated with the living wage increase, in direct contradiction of guidance.
“Following years with no inflationary uplift, the service was already in deficit and this would push it further into the red.
“We will be consulting with our staff over this period to ensure they receive the support they need as we go through this process.
“We are very disappointed in the lack of willingness on the part of the council to negotiate honourable on the most basic costs of meeting its obligations – it raises questions about the commitment in Moray to provide the required quality of support for autistic individuals.”
A spokesman for Health and Social Care Moray said simply: “We are endeavouring to resolve the contractual issues with the charity.”