Further to the sudden suspension of SPAEN trading and with thanks to engagement and ongoing discussion, the charity has recommenced trading.  SPAEN and the Scottish Government continue dialogue on the best way forward for supporting SPAEN members and Direct Payment users in the longer-term.

Colin Millar stated “We welcome the interim solution that has now been reached and are delighted that SPAEN can continue to provide vital supports and services to our members and their PA’s in the immediate term.

It is vital, and we have impressed on the Scottish Government, that a longer-term arrangement is identified to avoid further disruption of service for our members and their support teams.  We are pleased that Scottish Government representatives have committed to ongoing discussion.  SPAEN remains absolutely committed to working constructively with the Scottish Government to determine what that solution will be and we will update all stakeholders on how this progresses.

There may be some inconvenience or delay in PA’s being paid today but our payroll team and other colleagues worked long into the night last night to try to minimise this disruption and we will continue working quickly to resolve any issues both today and over the weekend.”