Beach Hut Owners in Mudeford Face Legal Battle Over Council Tax Rise
Beach hut owners in Mudeford, Dorset, are gearing up for a legal challenge against the council's plans to reclassify their huts as second homes for council tax purposes. This move could significantly impact the financial burden on the 300-plus owners, who currently pay a reduced rate due to the huts' limited use.
The Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) is proposing a change that would see the 344 huts on Mudeford Spit classified as second homes, leading to a substantial increase in council tax. The current annual fee for these huts is already a burden, having almost tripled to over £5,200, according to Mudeford Sandbanks Beach Hut Association (MSBHA) chair Darren Pridwell. The proposed change aims to raise around £211,000 to address a £9 million budget shortfall.
However, the MSBHA argues that the huts are more than just wooden sheds. They are structures with limited amenities, used primarily for overnight stays during a specific part of the year. The association questions the fairness of the proposed reclassification, especially given the lack of investment in facilities in recent years.
Pridwell highlights the sentiment among owners, who feel they are being asked to contribute more without receiving adequate services. The council tax increase, based on the 2025/2026 charge for Band A properties, would see bills rise from £618 to £1,236 annually. The proposal will be discussed by the cabinet on January 14, and the 2026/2027 council tax is expected to be set in February.
The council's finance councillor, Mike Cox, justifies the move as a necessary step to address the budget shortfall, emphasizing that every lever must be pulled to achieve this goal. Despite the potential controversy, the council remains committed to its plan, inviting discussion and debate among the community.
