We would like to share some good news with Bournemouth beach hut users.

In March 2009, we were advised that non-domestic rates were payable on our ‘sheds’ along the prom.

Angry beach hut users met and decided to re-form Bournemouth Beach Hut Association. We learned that there didn’t appear to be a legal means of challenging the fact that we were liable to pay, but we were entitled to appeal against the valuations levied.

Earlier this year, our hard work was rewarded when the valuation office agreed to reduce the valuations, and therefore the bills, for the majority of huts in Bournemouth.

The process of applying the revised valuations and advising rate-payers is taking some time. However, most beach hut owners can look forward to receiving a reduction in their non-domestic rate liabilty.

There is still work to do as the huts have been revalued again for 2010 and we feel these figures are also too high. If you would like more information, please visit bournemouthbeachhuts.org.uk We are proof that people-power can work! A lot of work went in to gathering information and researching previous case history but we feel it was time well spent.

Bournemouth Beach Hut Association