Perthshire North MSP, John Swinney and Perth and North Perthshire MP, Pete Wishart, today welcomed the £30,000 worth of support from the Scottish Government to address the funding shortage at Perth Autism Support.
On 18th of August, 2017, Perth Autism Support announced to parents and carers that services were suspended due to funding.
John Swinney MSP said; “I am delighted that the Scottish Government have been able to find this support for Perth Autism Support, recognising the invaluable contribution it makes to families with autism right across Perth and Kinross. Over the weekend I was inundated with representations from constituents, concerned about the closure of this resource and asking for a solution to be found. I hope that this contribution helps resolve some of the short term funding issues and that PAS will be able to continue to offer its valued service.”
Pete Wishart MP said; ‘Since we became aware of the funding crisis at PAS we have all been working flat out to find a solution and this is very good news from the Scottish Government. It would have been unthinkable if PAS had closed its doors and ended its support for families living with the realities of autism. Where the Scottish Government have responded positively it is now imperative that Perth and Kinross Council now similarly respond in kind and pledge to match this contribution.
It is the council that will have to pick up the costs for providing support for families affected by autism if PAS closes its doors it is therefore important that it matches this contribution from the Scottish Government.
Eventually we will have to secure a long term solution to Perth Autism Support’s core funding difficulties but I am pleased that we are moving towards a solution.”
Angie Ferguson, Chief Executive said: “We are delighted at the quick response from the Scottish Government to ensure our families can access services again immediately and this support allows us time to work with Perth & Kinross Council to ensure continued sustainability after the next quarter. Scottish Government will also be supporting us through Inspiring Scotland to build capacity into the organisation and work with us to develop plans beyond their initial support of our core costs.
We are committed to working with Perth & Kinross Council and NHS Tayside to ensure our services remain a vital continued support for families in Perth & Kinross and whilst they have not yet contacted us directly we believe that they are starting the processes to be able to look at the opportunity to support us and we are looking forward to hearing from them in near future.”
Perth and Kinross Council and NHS Tayside are working together to provide a solution a spokesperson said.
Services were reinstated due to the quick and effective response of Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Pete Wishart MP the organisation said.
Members of the community are asked to sign a petition for permanent support from the local authorities, you can view the petition here.
A funding page has been setup by Gemma Mills, you can donate by clicking here.
