Green Party leader Zack Polanski has faced questions over whether he paid the correct amount of council tax while living on a house boat in London. He has admitted he may have failed to pay the correct council tax while residing on the vessel, which was moored in east London.
Unintentional Mistake
A Green Party spokesperson described the situation as an “unintentional mistake” and stated that Mr Polanski had “immediately taken steps” to pay any tax owed. The spokesperson said: “Until relatively recently, Zack was living on a houseboat, which came with its own unique practical circumstances and considerations. He has immediately taken steps to pay any council tax he may be found to owe. Zack apologises sincerely for the unintentional mistake.”
Background and Residence
The Green Party previously told The Times newspaper that Mr Polanski rented a room at another address where council tax was included in the rent and only stayed on the boat “occasionally”. Government guidance states that a person may be liable for council tax on a boat if it is their “sole or main” residence.
For security reasons, the party declined to comment publicly on Mr Polanski’s address, citing two recent serious incidents reported to police that are under investigation.
The Times reported seeing an advertisement for the sale of the boat in which Mr Polanski’s partner wrote: “We are moving to a house and so will sadly be leaving the gorgeous community behind.” The Daily Mail separately reported that Mr Polanski was registered to vote at a building near the marina, which he also used as a mailing address.
Expert Analysis
Tax lawyer Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates, analysed the situation and wrote: “If the boat was in fact Mr Polanski’s ‘sole or main residence’ then he and/or his partner should have registered for, and paid, council tax for those three years.” The matter remains under scrutiny as Mr Polanski seeks to resolve the issue.
