Boroughs to pursue JR of decision by Mayor of London on affordable rent

Eight London boroughs have formally notified the Mayor of London that they will launch judicial review proceedings over a decision on affordable rent in the capital.

Earlier this month the local authorities warned Boris Johnson that they were taking legal advice over a potential challenge.

At issue is the Mayor’s decision to allow – in an amended London Plan – rents for new affordable housing to rise up to 80% of market rates.

The eight councils behind the legal action said that for many years they had typically set affordable rent at 30-40% of market levels.

A planning inspector agreed with the local authorities that they should be given more flexibility on how best to meet their housing need within their own borough-specific planning policies. However, this was rejected by the Mayor.

The eight councils behind the legal action are:

  • Brent;
  • Camden;
  • Hackney;
  • Islington;
  • Lambeth;
  • Royal Borough of Greenwich;
  • Southwark; and
  • Tower Hamlets.

Cllr Fiona Colley, cabinet member for regeneration and planning at Southwark Council, said: "The fact that so many boroughs have come together to seek a judicial review of this decision is evidence of the strength of feeling on this issue. All councils need every power possible to ensure rent levels are affordable for their residents.

"This is particularly relevant in London where rent is especially expensive. The implication of the Mayor's decision is that councils will have little power to make sure new affordable housing is really, genuinely affordable for local people and we are collectively prepared to challenge this decision at the highest level."

Islington Council is leading the legal challenge. Its executive member for housing and development, Cllr James Murray, said: "Across London, we need new housing that people on low incomes can afford. We believe the Mayor of London's plan to raise rents of new affordable housing to near-market levels is totally wrong for our city.”

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “I believe the Mayor of London's decision to raise rents of new affordable housing to near-market levels is not only wrong, but unlawful. So, working together with other boroughs, we are going to court to seek justice for our residents.”