BCP Council has announced plans to charge full second home Council Tax for beach huts at Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head with money raised from the changes helping to support under-pressure local services.
The council plans to change the classification of the huts that were historically subject to a 50% Council Tax discount.
The change recognises that the huts, which can sell for between £400,000 and £575,000, should be defined as holiday homes. This is where a home can be used for part of the year, is not a main residence and is furnished.
From 1 April 2026, the huts will be classified as Class A second homes (with planning restrictions), in accordance with professional opinion and will be subject to full Council Tax.
The Council Tax discount previously applied to these huts will be removed, and a standard 100% Council Tax charge will apply.
Council Tax has not yet been set for 2026/27 but based on 2025/26 charges for a band A property and removing the 50% discount, owners will see their bills increase to £1503 per year, or just over £60 per month.
This change will generate an additional £211,000 for the council to support essential local services for residents, as well as additional funds raised through the precept for fire and police services.
BCP Council, like all local authorities, faces significant ongoing financial pressures and must use all levers available to support the services that matter most to local communities.
Analysis of the recently announced Provisional Local Government Financial Settlement which sets out each council’s core finance allocation for next year, indicates that BCP Council will receive less funding than previously expected.
This decision replaces legacy arrangements inherited from former Bournemouth and Christchurch councils.
Just over 340 beach huts will be affected by this change, with 231 owned by non-residents of the BCP Council area. All huts are in the lowest Council Tax band A.
Cllr Mike Cox, Cabinet Member for Finance said: “BCP Council, like all local authorities across England, faces an unprecedented, ongoing financial crisis and the latest government settlement does not address this.
“As a result of this severe financial pressure, the council must use all levers at its disposal to raise funds to protect essential services important to our residents.
“Beach huts on Mudeford Spit often sell for between £400,000 and £575,000 – more than the £313,000 average price, according to the Office for National Statistics, of a home in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, yet historically, owners have been given discounts on Council Tax.
“And, while we welcome all those who want to enjoy our beautiful coastline, we must recognise that this brings extra demand for services such as beach cleaning and flood protection – the cost of which is mostly borne by our residents.
“This change delivers fairness and consistency for all owners of second homes in the area.
“We understand this change may be disappointing for some owners, but it is important to apply Council Tax policy consistently and fairly across the BCP area.”
The report on the issue recommends Council:
- Regularise the classification of Beach Chalets at Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head to Class A (second home with planning restrictions) from 1 April 2026.
- Approve that the Council Tax discount for Beach Chalets on Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head is removed from 1 April 2026 onwards.
Further information, including FAQs and support contacts, will be available on the BCP Council website.
