OTLEY community groups could be hit by proposed higher room rental charges.

Leeds City Council is planning to raise an extra £80,000 a year from community centre lettings across the city*.

To do so, the authority is seeking to increase the fees it charges and change the discounts - including free lets, which would be scrapped - that are currently available.

Executive Board Member for Communities Councillor Debbie Coupar has sent details about the proposals, and a consultation on them which is now underway, to ward councillors.

Her message said: "The new policy would mean that all organisations would make some payment for the use of community centres.

"From June 4 all groups would be expected to make a minimum payment of 25 per cent of the community rate for any bookings they have in Leeds City Council community centres.

"The new policy would also mean that statutory, private and fully funded organisations will not be able to benefit from a discounted rate.

"This would mean that a number of organisations who have previously benefited from free lets would now be expected to pay the full community rate.

"Current applicants will be assessed to determine if they are eligible for a discounted let."

It adds: "Due to administration costs there will now be a minimum £10 charge for a one-off booking of space within a community centre.

"Users who currently have regular free lettings approved by community committees in the last round of letting renewals would automatically be put onto the 25 per cent rate from June 4. "

Councillors in Otley fear the changes could spell bad news for groups which use Cross Green Community Centre, which include the Beehive Group, Otley Women's Institute and Leeds Vision Consortium.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "I am worried this charge will hit a number of local groups in the Otley area.

"These are residents who have got together to provide support for vulnerable groups in Otley and anything that threatens this should be opposed.

"The ward members will be making a formal comment but we are urging all the organisations, along with any interested residents, to take part in the current consultation and support these groups."

Otley Town Council Chairman Councillor Ray Georgeson (Lib Dem, Danefield) added: "I would urge residents to join in the consultation exercise to make sure Leeds is aware of the concern of our community that voluntary and

community groups, which depend on affordable access to Cross Green, will be affected by these proposed increases in charges.

"It's hard enough for small community groups in the current climate and the city council should recognise that and think again."

The consultation runs until April 16 and comments or questions can be e-mailed to communities@leeds.gov.uk or posted to: Communities Team, Leeds City Council, Westfield House, Lower Wortley Road, Wortley, Leeds LS12 4PT.

*Yeadon Town Hall is one of four community buildings that will see its fees unaltered for now due to it falling under a different pricing policy.