Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, has been cleared by an ethics inquiry regarding allegations that he failed to pay council tax while living on a houseboat in east London. The investigation, conducted by the Greater London Authority’s monitoring officer, concluded that Polanski’s living situation fell outside the scope of the London Assembly members’ code of conduct and found no breach.

The inquiry was launched following complaints from Labour and Conservative members, who accused Polanski of neglecting his council tax obligations during his time on the houseboat from 2022. Polanski had previously apologized for what he described as an “unintentional mistake” and cooperated fully with the investigation.

In his testimony to the monitoring officer, Polanski noted that it had not been definitively determined whether council tax was owed on his houseboat, which was moored on the boundary between two local authorities. He also disclosed personal circumstances, including experiences with financial hardship and housing insecurity, that framed his living arrangements.

Earlier statements by Polanski indicated that he did not reside full-time at the marina but was a lodger at another address. However, subsequent information clarified that he had lived on the boat for approximately two years before moving to a house. Despite this, Polanski emphasized that he never intended to evade council tax or legal responsibilities.

In his witness statement, Polanski described the situation as a misunderstanding stemming from the “unusual and unconventional” nature of his housing arrangement. He acknowledged the challenges many Londoners face in securing stable and affordable housing, citing his own difficulties on a limited income.

The monitoring officer’s report recognized these complexities and concluded that Polanski’s circumstances lay beyond the ethical guidelines’ jurisdiction, thereby exonerating him of the council tax complaints. The case highlights ongoing challenges related to irregular housing and taxation in London, as well as the need for clarity in regulations governing such arrangements.