Zack Polanski has been cleared by an ethics inquiry that investigated complaints about his failure to pay council tax while residing on a houseboat. The Greater London Authority's monitoring officer concluded that the circumstances of his living arrangements fell outside the scope of the code of conduct for London assembly members, meaning no breach occurred.
Complaints from Labour and Conservatives
The complaints, lodged by Labour and the Conservative Party, alleged that Polanski violated the ethics code by not paying council tax on a houseboat in east London where he lived from 2022. Polanski had previously apologized for what he described as an "unintentional mistake."
Evidence and Findings
During the inquiry, Polanski revealed that it had not yet been determined whether any tax was actually due, as the boat's mooring site straddled the border of two local authorities. He also stated that he had "personal experience of financial hardship and housing insecurity." Initially, he claimed he was not living on the boat full-time but as a lodger elsewhere, though it later emerged he had occupied the boat for several years before moving to a house.
In his witness statement, Polanski asserted he never intended to "evade council tax, avoid legal obligations or obtain any improper financial advantage," and it remained unclear if he had failed to pay the correct amount. He wrote: "Any failure to appreciate the position arose solely from a misunderstanding of what was required in relation to an unusual and unconventional living arrangement."
He further explained: "Having lived through periods of economic difficulty on a limited income, I understand first-hand the challenges faced by many Londoners. My previous living arrangements reflected those circumstances rather than any attempt to avoid financial obligations." He strongly refuted suggestions that his honesty or integrity should be questioned, while accepting that greater care could have been taken.
Previous Housing Arrangements
Polanski also disclosed that he had lived as a property guardian for five years, occupying a vacant building under license in exchange for modest fees. He described this as "one of the few affordable housing options available to me in London during a period marked by economic uncertainty, austerity measures and significant cost-of-living pressures." Under those arrangements, he believed utilities and council tax were covered by the provider.
When he moved to the narrowboat in August 2022, he assumed council tax was included in the mooring fees, based on his prior experience with property guardianship. He acknowledged not making further inquiries at the time and apologized for the unintentional mistake.
Political Motivation Concerns
Polanski raised concerns that the complaints were politically motivated, promoted under the guise of public interest but aimed at advantaging his opponents. The Green Party stated: "The monitoring officer for the Greater London Authority has conducted an independent inquiry into the complaints made against Mr Polanski and decided to take no further action. We therefore consider this matter closed."
Conservative assembly member Neil Garratt, who originally complained, criticized Polanski's "cavalier attitude" toward establishing whether tax was due.
