Green Party Leader Zack Polanski Apologises for Possible Council Tax Miss on Houseboat

*TL;DR: Green Party leader Zack Polanski apologised for an apparent failure to pay council tax on his London houseboat and said he will pay any amount owed.

Context The Green Party confirmed that its leader lived on a narrowboat moored in Hackney until recently. The boat’s tax status became a question after media reports suggested the vessel might have been his main home for three years.

Key Facts Polanski issued a statement to the BBC, saying he “apologises sincerely for the unintentional mistake” and has taken steps to settle any council tax due. The party added that the houseboat presented “unique practical circumstances and considerations.” Tax lawyer Dan Neidle, who tracks politicians’ tax affairs, wrote that a boat is liable for council tax when it serves as a person’s “sole or main residence.” He concluded that, if the boat was Polanski’s primary home, the leader and his partner should have paid the tax. The Times noted an advertisement in which Polanski’s partner announced a move from the boat, and a local laundrette reported regular business from the couple between 2023 and 2025. The Green Party told the paper that Polanski also rented a room elsewhere where council tax was included in the rent, claiming his boat use was occasional.

What It Means If the houseboat qualifies as a main residence, the Green Party could face a retroactive tax bill for up to three years. The incident adds pressure on Polanski to clarify his living arrangements and may prompt tighter scrutiny of council‑tax compliance among public figures.

Watch for a formal response from Hackney Council on any assessed liability and any further statements from the Green Party regarding the leader’s residence.