Supreme Court refuses permission to appeal in challenge over succession to secure council tenancies

The Supreme Court has refused permission to appeal in a legal challenge over the rules relating to the succession to secure council tenancies, it has been reported.

In November 2019 Haringey Council successfully defended the challenge in Simawi v London Borough of Haringey [2019] EWCA Civ 1770.

The council and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government objected to the application for permission to appeal.

A Supreme Court panel comprising Lords Kerr, Sales and Leggatt JJSC has refused permission on the papers.

Barristers chambers Five Paper, whose Nicholas Grundy QC and Sam Phillips appeared for the council, said: “The refusal of permission to appeal brings an end to legal proceedings in this matter as far as Article 14 is concerned.

“The decision of the Court of Appeal upholding the findings of Murray, J in the High Court means that local authorities can continue to rely on ss.87-89 of the Housing Act 1985 to obtain possession of properties after the death of successor tenants.”

See also: London borough defeats Court of Appeal challenge over succession rules