Headline: Green Party Leader Faces Questions Over Houseboat Council Tax

Why this matters: Questions over politicians’ tax arrangements can become politically sensitive and affect public trust.

Date: 12 May 2026 Tags: Politics, Tax, UK, Green Party

Summary:

• Green Party leader Zack Polanski admitted he may owe council tax on a London houseboat.

• The party said Polanski had taken steps to pay any council tax owed.

• A spokesperson described the issue as an “unintentional mistake” and said Polanski apologised.

• Questions focused on whether the east London houseboat was Polanski’s main residence.

• Tax lawyer Dan Neidle said council tax applies if a boat is a person’s main home.

• Reports claimed the boat had been described in a sales advert as the couple’s “amazing home” for three years.

• The Green Party previously said Polanski mainly lived in rented accommodation where council tax was included.

• Reports also suggested Polanski and his partner regularly stayed on the narrowboat between 2023 and 2025.

• The marina where the boat was moored is located within Waltham Forest council area.

• The article was corrected to clarify the marina is in Waltham Forest, not Hackney.

Why this matters: Questions over politicians’ tax arrangements can become politically sensitive and affect public trust.

What’s next: Any council tax liability could depend on whether authorities determine the houseboat was Polanski’s primary residence.