Mudeford beach huts face proposed council tax reclassification

Owners at Mudeford say they are exploring legal options after Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council proposed reclassifying 344 beach huts as second homes for council tax; the council’s cabinet will consider the proposal on 14 January.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has proposed reclassifying the beach huts on Mudeford Spit as second homes for council tax purposes. The move would remove a longstanding discount and mean many owners pay full council tax from April. The council says the step is part of wider efforts to address a reported budget shortfall. Hut owners’ representatives say they are examining the legal basis of the change. Key points: - The proposal covers 344 huts on Mudeford Spit and would end the reduced council tax treatment some owners have received. - The Mudeford Sandbanks Beach Hut Association has said it is looking into the legal basis for applying the second-home rule and notes the huts lack mains connections or individual toilets. - Council finance members have said the measure is one of several options being examined to help address a reported £9m shortfall and that the change could raise about £211,000. Summary: If the proposal is approved, many owners would move from a reduced council tax charge to full council tax from April, with illustrative calculations based on the previous Band A charge showing a substantial increase in annual bills. The owners' association has said it is exploring legal options. The council’s cabinet is scheduled to discuss the proposal on 14 January.