Bournemouth | Posted on January 8th, 2026 | return to news

Council Tax hike for Mudeford beach huts

The Council Tax charge of 50 per cent will be increased to 100 per cent in April for huts at Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head.

Owners of the beach huts at Mudeford Spit and Hengistbury Head — which are some of the most expensive in the UK and are much admired for their beautiful location — will soon have to pay full second-home Council Tax.

Historically, the huts were subject to a 50 per cent Council Tax discount.

The change by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council recognises that the huts 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 per cent 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 per cent discount, owners will see their bills increase by just over £60 per month to £1,503 per year.

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.

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.”