Council investigates whether Green Party leader Zack Polanski failed to pay thousands while living on narrowboat.
Zack Polanski is facing mounting pressure over his council tax affairs after admitting he may not have paid thousands of pounds while living on a narrowboat in east London.
Waltham Forest Council confirmed it is investigating the situation and taking legal advice after Mr Polanski acknowledged this week that he had spent years living aboard the 72ft boat at Springfield Marina.
The council said it was working to “establish the full picture” before deciding whether any money is owed.
The row erupted after reports claimed Mr Polanski had used the narrowboat, named Olympian, as his main home for around three years despite the marina operating non-residential moorings.
The amount of unpaid council tax could total about £4,000.
Mr Polanski had previously insisted he only stayed on the boat “occasionally” and that his primary residence was elsewhere. But that explanation came under pressure after neighbours and local business owners said they regularly saw him living at the marina.
One café worker claimed the politician told staff he “lives in the boats”, while a local launderette owner reportedly handled washing for the couple over a two-year period.
The controversy deepened after an online advert linked to the sale of the boat described it as “our amazing home” for the past three years.
Springfield Marina’s operators said boat owners are not allowed to live permanently on site.
They said:
“Owners may have short overnight stays of up to seven consecutive nights if they are carrying out maintenance or repairs on their boats but are not permitted to reside permanently.”
The affair has triggered criticism from political rivals, with Kevin Hollinrake accusing Mr Polanski of “staggering hypocrisy”.
He said:
“A man who wants to hike taxes for millions has failed to pay his own council tax properly.”
A spokesman for the Labour Party also attacked the Green leader, saying the controversy showed he “simply cannot be trusted”.
Meanwhile, Neil Garratt has lodged a formal complaint with the London Assembly over the matter.
Mr Garratt said the public expected politicians to “follow the rules and pay the taxes they impose on others”.
Tax expert Dan Neidle questioned suggestions the mooring arrangement may have been exempt from council tax, saying Mr Polanski “should have registered”.
In a statement, a spokesman for the Green Party of England and Wales 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.”
The council tax row is the latest in a series of questions over Mr Polanski’s background and public claims. Recent reports have challenged previous statements about his employment history and professional credentials.
The Green Party have been approached for comment.
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