Green Party leader admits potential council tax liability over houseboat residence

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has admitted he may have failed to pay the correct council tax while residing on a houseboat in east London. A party spokesperson characterised the situation as an unintentional mistake and confirmed that Polanski has immediately taken steps to settle any outstanding amounts.

The admission follows growing scrutiny regarding whether the vessel, which was moored in east London, constituted his primary residence. Government guidance stipulates that an individual may be liable for council tax on a boat if it serves as their sole or main residence. Under this framework, legal analysis suggests Polanski could have faced liability for up to three years.

Dan Neidle, a tax lawyer and founder of Tax Policy Associates, noted that if the boat was indeed Polanski's sole or main residence, he and his partner should have registered for and paid council tax for that duration. The party has not disclosed the specific amount owed or the exact period of non-payment.

In response to the inquiry, a Green Party spokesperson stated that until relatively recently, Polanski was living on the houseboat, a situation they described as coming with unique practical circumstances and considerations. The spokesperson apologised sincerely for the error and affirmed that Polanski had taken immediate action to address the tax obligation.

This development contrasts with previous claims made by the party to The Times newspaper, which stated that Polanski rented a room at another address where council tax was included in the rent. At that time, the party maintained that he stayed on the boat only occasionally.

The party previously declined to comment publicly on Polanski's address, citing security reasons. They noted that there have been two serious incidents reported to the police regarding the boat, which remain under investigation. Reports indicate Polanski was registered to vote at a building near the marina, which was also used as a mailing address.

Further complicating the narrative, an advertisement for the sale of the boat, written by Polanski's partner, stated they were moving to a house and would be leaving the community behind. The party's current stance is that any failure to pay was an unintentional mistake arising from the unique nature of his living arrangements.