Islington Council has formally backed a judicial review into the Mayor of London's emergency housing plans, a move that could significantly impact future housing development in the borough.
The decision was made during a full council meeting on Thursday, July 2, 2026, where councillors debated a motion expressing concerns over the Mayor's new housing measures. These measures include a proposal to reduce affordable housing targets to 20% and a cut to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions. The motion stated that these changes would negatively impact Islington's ability to provide social housing and fund essential community infrastructure.
Islington Council has a commitment to maintaining and exceeding its 50% affordable housing target, a figure significantly higher than the Mayor's proposed 20% reduction. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a fixed-rate charge on developers used to fund that much needed development
and ensures new housing developments require improvements to local physical and social infrastructure to ensure quality of life is maintained and improved for the local community.
Councillors argued that a cut to these contributions would mean millions [would be] cut from ward budgets for their vital projects which improve our community spaces,
and that Islington Council risks losing millions of pounds in CIL contributions under these changes, which would severely limit aspirations for improved community spaces for new and existing residents alike.
The original motion, proposed by Councillor Sheridan Kates and seconded by Councillor Patrick Brighty, sought to support the judicial review initiated by Tower Hamlets, Lewisham, and Hackney councils. However, an amendment, moved by Councillor Hannah McHugh and seconded by Councillor Maia Hamilton, was introduced.
This amendment reaffirmed the council's commitment to maintaining and exceeding its 50% affordable housing target, continuing its own house-building programme, and ensuring new developments are accompanied by investment in local infrastructure. While acknowledging the need to challenge mayoral decisions, the amendment emphasised a practical approach focused on delivery and collaboration.
Following debate, the amended motion was carried, meaning the council will support the judicial review into the emergency housebuilding measures and continue to lobby for policy changes, while also reaffirming its commitment to its existing housing targets and programmes. The council also resolved to urgently explore alternatives to the broken developer-led model of delivering homes in London.
This includes working with community land trusts, housing cooperatives, small and medium housing builders, and exploring the role of municipal house building, such as the Mayor of London's new 'Singapore style' housing development arm.
Further details on the specific concerns and the proposed alternatives can be found in the Public reports pack.
