Hove beach hut owners ask council to freeze licence fees

Since January they have battled with Brighton and Hove City Council over plans to increase annual charges and transfer fees.

Hove Beach Hut Association chair Cathy Biggs presented a deputation to the authority’s tourism, development and culture committee on behalf of the group’s members, asking for licences to stay as they are.

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The association formed five months ago and has more than 100 members, making up a quarter of beach hut owners.

Ms Biggs described beach hut owners as ‘custodians’ of the sea front, picking up rubbish and helping lost children.

She described how she works three jobs and her beach hut is her garden.

She said: “My beach hut is not a luxury but necessary for my health. It is a place to unwind.”

As well as describing owners as keeping the seafront attractive, safe and clean, the deputation called for a close partnership with the city council.

The deputation said: “The establishment of Hove Beach Hut Association provides a new voice for the previously silent beach hut owners.

“It offers plenty of scope for hut owners to assist the council in a similar manner to the way in which Brighton and Hove Allotment Federation operates.”

In response committee chair Labour councillor Alan Robins explained the council had a statutory requirement to provide allotments hence the close relationship.

He said: “Allotment holders cannot buy and sell or pass on their allotments to members of their families.

“Income from beach huts forms part of the beach budget. It is a limited contribution to services for 11km of seafront from Hove Lagoon to Saltdean.

“I hope we can form a partnership that is beneficial to all of us.”

The beach budget covers the cost of lifeguards during the summer season, playgrounds, the beach office, as well as repairs and maintenance.

A report about the proposed changes to the licence is due to go before the committee when it meets in January.