Public Issues
To receive any public questions, statements or petitions submitted in accordance with the Constitution. Further information on the requirements for submitting these is available to view at the following link:-
https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeID=151&Info=1&bcr=1
The deadline for the submission of public questions is mid-day on Thursday 8 January 2026 [mid-day 3 clear working days before the meeting].
The deadline for the submission of a statement is mid-day on Tuesday 13 January 2026 [mid-day the working day before the meeting].
The deadline for the submission of a petition is Tuesday 30 December 2026 [10 working days before the meeting].
Decision:
Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or questions submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that one statement had been submitted in relation to Minute No 108 (Council Tax – Tax base 2026/27) and this is set out below.
Public Statement
Public Statement from Darren Pidwell, Chair of the Mudeford Sandbank Beach Hut Association (MSBHA) on Agenda Item 6 (Council Tax – Tax base 2026/27)
We are frustrated that BCP Council are again targeting Mudeford Sandbank hut owners to raise additional revenue and with no prior consultation. Annual costs will rise by 24%, to £5200 pa, doubling since April 2023. For many, this will become a significant financial burden.
This is additional to the 2023 harmonisation increases, when we were told that a significant proportion of that money raised would be invested into beach facilities. None happened, the infrastructure is now almost untenable.
The huts have no mains water, electricity or sanitation. Public toilets and standpipes have to suffice. They can be occupied for only 8 months of the year. How can these be considered as “homes”? What is the legal basis for Council tax?
We recognise the Council’s difficult financial position, but further penalising hut owners is no longer fair or viable. This proposal must therefore be rejected.
Minutes:
Cabinet was advised that there had been no petitions or questions submitted by members of the public on this occasion, but that one statement had been submitted in relation to Minute No 108 (Council Tax – Tax base 2026/27) and this is set out below.
Public Statement
Public Statement from Darren Pidwell, Chair of the Mudeford Sandbank Beach Hut Association (MSBHA) on Agenda Item 6 (Council Tax – Tax base 2026/27)
We are frustrated that BCP Council are again targeting Mudeford Sandbank hut owners to raise additional revenue and with no prior consultation. Annual costs will rise by 24%, to £5200 pa, doubling since April 2023. For many, this will become a significant financial burden.
This is additional to the 2023 harmonisation increases, when we were told that a significant proportion of that money raised would be invested into beach facilities. None happened, the infrastructure is now almost untenable.
The huts have no mains water, electricity or sanitation. Public toilets and standpipes have to suffice. They can be occupied for only 8 months of the year. How can these be considered as “homes”? What is the legal basis for Council tax?
We recognise the Council’s difficult financial position, but further penalising hut owners is no longer fair or viable. This proposal must therefore be rejected.