The future of an autism support charity is in doubt as a council is proposing to increase its rent by six times its current rate.

Families 1st 4 Additional Needs, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, provides support to families of people with an additional, complex or neurological condition.

The charity was founded in 2018 and was initially based at the Brunswick Industrial Estate on the outskirts of the city before moving to the Brunswick Park Centre in 2020.

Newcastle City Council did not charge the charity for rent in the first year and Fans has paid  £416 per week since July 2021, amounting to £5,000 annually, it is understood. 

But running costs for the building are £30,000 per year and the council said it was looking to recoup those costs from the charity.

The charity is also carrying “substantial” rent arrears, it is understood, and the council said it had worked with Fans to provide support but the arrears remained significant.

The council has also raised concerns about compliance and health and safety at the charity.

A council spokesperson said: “We recognise the valuable contribution of the voluntary sector to the vibrancy of our city. 

“However, in this case and despite significant support we have given, we continue to have concerns regarding the building, operations and viability of the services being delivered and we have discussed these at length with Fans.”

The charity has been contacted for comment.