Calls intensify for a police investigation into Zack Polanski, Green Party leader, after he admits failing to pay council tax on his east London houseboat. Both Labour and Conservatives have submitted formal complaints to City Hall’s standards watchdog.

Polanski describes the oversight as an “unintentional mistake” and commits to settling any outstanding arrears. Political opponents quickly label the situation as hypocrisy.

Formal Complaints Filed

Labour’s Anna Turley lodges a complaint with City Hall, questioning if Polanski committed a criminal offence by not disclosing his council tax status as an Assembly member. Her letter highlights a potential breach of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

Neil Garratt, City Hall Conservatives leader, states: “Zack’s had plenty to say about other people not paying tax, but now it seems he was voting on Londoners’ council tax bills without paying his own. No politician is above the law, no matter how good an actor, or ignorant of the law they may be. His story keeps changing, but if he’s broken the law then City Hall authorities should report him to the police and Scotland Yard should investigate, as the public will want answers.”

City Hall confirms receipt of the complaints, referring them to its monitoring officer, but offers no further comment due to legal sensitivities.

Evidence Ties Polanski to Houseboat

Public records list Polanski’s voter registration at the marina address. He received mail there, and laundry services collected from the vessel regularly. His partner refers to the barge as their “amazing home” in posts over three years. The Green Party confirms he lived aboard until recently.

Government rules require council tax when a vessel serves as a primary residence, but no registration exists for Polanski’s boat. Dan Neidle of Tax Policy Associates estimates a £4,000 liability over three years, based on a Band A rating.

Waltham Forest council, Green Party-run, assesses the situation and seeks legal advice while collaborating with Polanski’s team.

Polanski’s Current Residence

Polanski now resides in a five-bedroom Hackney property valued at around £2 million, owned by Alastair Binnie-Lubbock, co-leader of Hackney’s Green group and grandson of the late Liberal Democrat peer Lord Avebury.

Accusations of Hypocrisy Mount

Critics highlight Polanski’s past demands for Nigel Farage’s resignation over tax issues and praise for Angela Rayner’s handling of her stamp duty matter.

Labour MP Stella Creasy for Walthamstow comments: “Good taxpayers in Walthamstow will be paid back monies owed by the Green leader as he comes clean he wasn’t paying council tax here, but hope Mr Polanski has also taken advice on the impact of a GLA member not paying GLA precept for three years.”

Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake adds: “This is staggering hypocrisy from Zack Polanski. A man who wants to hike taxes for millions has failed to pay his own council tax properly.”

A Green Party spokesman responds: “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.”

Waltham Forest spokesman notes: “We are working with Mr Polanski’s team to establish the full picture, at which point we will be able to determine whether or not there is any council tax owed to Waltham Forest.”