Green Party leader Zack Polanski has admitted he may have failed to pay the correct council tax while living on a houseboat moored in East London. The admission follows mounting questions over whether the boat was his primary residence.
Background and Apology
The Green Party initially stated that Mr Polanski only stayed on the boat occasionally. However, late Monday night, the party issued an apology from Mr Polanski, describing the error as an unintentional mistake. He has since taken steps to pay any council tax he may owe.
Previous Statements and Controversies
Mr Polanski, a London Assembly member, also admitted he was wrong to previously describe himself as a spokesperson for the British Red Cross. Labour accused him of being untrustworthy, while the Conservatives labeled his actions staggering hypocrisy.
The Times reported seeing an advertisement for the boat sale, where 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 revealed that Mr Polanski was registered to vote at a building near the marina, which he also used as a mailing address.
Legal and Tax Expert Analysis
Tax lawyer Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates, analyzed the situation. He stated that if the boat was Mr Polanski's sole or main residence, he and his partner should have registered for and paid council tax for three years. Government guidance confirms that a person may be liable for council tax on a boat if it is their sole or main residence.
Under UK law, boaters with a permanent residential mooring typically owe Band A council tax, while continuous cruisers, who move every 14 days, are generally exempt. Neidle noted that if the boat was indeed Polanski's primary home, he was legally required to register and pay.
Political Reactions
The Labour Party stated that Mr Polanski had been caught red-handed after repeatedly claiming his council tax was above board. They questioned what else he might be hiding, referencing previous discrepancies in his employment history and claims about hypnosis skills.
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Mr Polanski of hypocrisy, noting that a man who wants to hike taxes for millions has failed to pay his own council tax properly. He added that the British public would see this as one rule for Polanski and another for everyone else.
Security Concerns and Response
A Green Party spokesperson declined to comment on Mr Polanski's address for security reasons, citing two serious incidents reported to police that are under investigation. They reiterated that Mr Polanski apologized sincerely for the unintentional mistake and is taking immediate steps to settle any outstanding debt.
Waltham Forest council has been contacted for comment. Mr Polanski has overseen a surge in Green Party support since becoming leader last year but has faced increased scrutiny over past statements.
