Autism services in Moray have been thrown a lifeline following talks between a national charity and social care officials.
Fears had been raised that Scottish Autism would be forced to pull out of the region yesterday following a cash row.
However, now representatives from the organisation and Health and Social Care Moray will meet again later in the week to allow more research to be done following the “constructive” talks – which were held on the first day of World Autism Awareness Week.
Last night Buckie dad William Marandola welcomed the news that the parties were ready to continue negotiations to maintain services for his 17-year-old son Carlo.
He said: “It’s a relief to know that they are prepared to keep talking.”
Scottish Autism currently runs four residential homes in Elgin and Lossiemouth for those who need 24-hour attention.
Three children and a young adult are currently supported by the organisation.
Concerns have been raised that if the charity withdraws from the area then specialist care will be replaced with a more generalised service.
The cash row was sparked by Scottish Autism amid accusations that it was not receiving all the money due for staff’s pensions and national insurance – meaning the service was not sustainable.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead said: “There is a need for this to be resolved as soon as possible.
“There’s a real anxiety amongst the families that rely on these services and it is of course a worrying time for staff who are also in the dark about the future.”
Last week, Scottish Autism explained that a failure to resolve the situation would “question the commitment” of authorities in Moray to provide the required standard of care for those with the condition.
A Scottish Autism spokesman said: “We have had a constructive meeting in Moray and will have further discussions on Thursday to have an update on the situation.”
