Graham Phillips, R (on the application of) v The London Borough of Islington ([2026] EWHC 2243 (Admin))

Procedural record

1. 27 August 2026England and Wales

   27 August 2026England and Wales

   Judgment of High Court of Justice, King's Bench Division in the case AC-2025-LON-004314 dated 27 August 2026

   High Court of Justice, King's Bench Division

   Case no.

   AC-2025-LON-004314

   Citation

   [2026] EWHC 2243 (Admin)

   Decision summary

   The court refused permission to seek judicial review of Islington's refusal to reduce or exempt the claimant's council tax liability and its refusal to extend a stay on enforcement. It held that the claim had no realistic prospect of establishing illegality, irrationality, Wednesbury unreasonableness, or a disproportionate interference with the claimant's Article 1 of Protocol 1 rights, and confirmed the costs order.

   Participants

   Application

   Renewed application for permission to seek judicial review — Permission refused

   Graham Phillips

   Representative

   Fergus Randolph KC (For: Graham Phillips)

   Representative

   Joshua Hitchens (For: Graham Phillips)

   Representative

   Savic & Co. Solicitors (For: Graham Phillips)

   The London Borough of Islington

   High Court of Justice, King's Bench Division

   Judge

   Nigel Cooper KC

   Authorities cited

   10

   • Shvidler v Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs [2025] UKSC 30 ([2025] UKSC 30)
     case law
   • Bank Mellat v Her Majesty's Treasury (No. 2) [2014] AC 700 ([2014] AC 700)
     case law
   • Sharma v Browne Antoine [2006] UKPC 57 ([2006] UKPC 57)
     case law
   • Local Government Finance Act 1992
     statute
   • Human Rights Act 1998
     statute
   • Sanctions and Money Laundering Act 2018
     statute
   • Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
     regulation
   • Council Tax (Exempt Dwellings) Order 1992
     secondary legislation
   • Civil Procedure Rules (CPR 5.4C and CPR 39.2)
     court rule
   • Administrative Court Guide 2025
     practice guide