Green Party leader Zack Polanski is under fire after admitting to failing to pay council tax while living on a houseboat in east London. Both Conservative and Labour politicians have referred him to City Hall’s watchdog, raising questions about his legal compliance as an elected official. Polanski, a member of the London Assembly, apologized for the oversight, calling it an 'unintentional mistake' and confirming he had settled any outstanding payments.

The $4,000 Council Tax Question

According to the report, Polanski could owe around £4,000 in backdated council tax over three years if his boat were classified as a Band A property. Government rules mandate council tax payments for those residing on boats as their primary residence, but records show Polanski’s boat was never registered for it. The contorversy stems from his time living on a narrowboat in a marina, where he was registered on the electoral roll, received mail, and had laundry services provided.

His boyfriend publicly refferred to the boat as their 'amazing home' over the past three years, and the Green Party confirmed he lived there until fairly recently. The Waltham Forest council, run by the Green Party, is reviewing the case and collaborating with Polanski’s team to determine whether any taxes are due.

Political Hypocrisy and Legal Scrutiny

As the report highlights, Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Polanski of hypocrisy, noting that he had previously demanded the resignation of politicians over alleged tax irregularities.. Labour chair Anna Turley formally reported the Green leader to authorities, questioning whether he had violated the Local Government Finance Act 1992 by not declaring his arrears.

Neil Garratt, leader of the City Hall Conservatives, criticized Polanski for speaking out against others for tax evasion while allegedly failing to pay his own council tax. He demanded an investigation by Scotland Yard if any laws were broken. The controvesy has put Polanski's leadership under scrutiny, with calls for a thorough investigation into his tax obligations.

From Houseboat to a £2 Million Property

It also emerged that Polanski moved into a £2 million five-bedroom property in Hackney, linked to a senior Green Party figure , after vacating the houseboat. This move has added another layer of complexity to the situation, with critics questioning the timing and circumstances of his relocation.

A Green Party spokesperson clarified that Polanski’s living situation on the houseboat had unique complexities but reiterated his commitment to rectifying any unpaid taxes promptly.. A Waltham Forest representative confirmed ongoing efforts to clarify the situation, stating that final determinations would depend on the investigation’s findings.

What Auditors Flagged in the May Filing

The report indicates that the Waltham Forest council is reviewing the case and collaborating with Polanski’s team to determine whether any taxes are due. This review is crucial as it will determine the extent of Polanski's financial obligations and whether he has complied with the law.

As the investigation unfolds, the political and legal implications for Polanski and the Green Party remain uncertain. The outcome of this scrutiny could have significant consequences for his leadership and the party's reputation.