More than 340 beach huts in Christchurch will be charged full council tax from April after BCP Council approved changes to their classification.
At a full council meeting on Tuesday February 24, members voted 39 to 20 with eight abstentions to back the budget, which includes removing the historic 50 per cent discount for huts at Mudeford Sandspit and Hengistbury Head.
From April 1 2026, the huts will be classified as class A second homes with planning restrictions, in line with professional opinion. This will allow the council to charge full council tax on the properties.
BCP Council announced on January 6 2026 that the change in classification would apply, affecting just over 340 huts, including 231 owned by people who do not live in the council area.
The council says the move will generate an additional £211,000 to support essential local services for residents, along with additional funding raised through the fire and police precept.
Money raised through the change will be used to support local services facing ongoing pressure.
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