A HANDFUL of community associations in Oxford could have their grants performance tested under new lease arrangements.

Five associations may be forced to pay rent – through the grants – so that Oxford City Council can have an “influence” over what they do.

The new proposals would also strengthen the position of eight other associations which previously only held a licence to occupy their centres, but could now get a 25-year, rent-free lease.

Under the proposals Risinghurst, Headington, Bullingdon, Florence Park and West Oxford community associations would be charged rent paid for through the grants subject to as yet unspecified performance criteria.

Risinghurst Community Association trustee Roz Smith said the plans could restrict the five associations.

She added: “We would need to see exactly what these performance measures would be. Our community centres are for local people and not the whole city. Different community associations will have different needs and aims for the areas.”

The five associations were singled out because they currently hold a ‘protected status’ lease, which means they are entitled to a new lease on similar terms.

Under the new arrangements the associations in question would have their grants renewed every three years at the city council’s discretion but hold the lease for 25 years.

Mrs Smith said: “The city council might change in that time and a new ruling group could come in with different ideas. I can understand they want to protect themselves from liability, but it has put all liability on to the local people and volunteers who work for free.”

The council’s strategy community centres co-ordinator Mark Spriggs admitted the arrangement was a “risk” to the associations as a grant could not be guaranteed in the long term. He said: “Associations are nervous about this approach as the council cannot bind itself to a grant for the period of a long lease.

“There is a risk to associations which the council could seek to mitigate by a three-year grant agreement and the right of the association to quit the premises with six months’ notice.”

The report revealed that if the associations rejected the new lease the council would take no action and continue to keep the centres in reasonable repair.

Twelve other associations would have their position strengthened under the new proposals.

They currently hold a licence with no fixed term that can terminated with 12 months’ notice – but the new lease would be a 25-year rent-free term.

The larger group of associations could also have their leases terminated if their performance does not measure up.

The proposals go before the scrutiny committee on Tuesday.