The Greater London Authority has officially closed its investigation into Green Party leader Zack Polanski. The case, which centered on unpaid council tax for a houseboat in Hackney, concluded with a finding that no further action is required.

For weeks, the dispute served as a flashpoint for political friction at City Hall. Conservative Assembly Member Neil Garratt had filed a formal grievance, arguing that Polanski’s failure to pay council tax violated the Nolan Principles and the GLA code of conduct. Garratt’s argument was simple: as an assembly member who votes on the mayor’s budget and sets tax levels, Polanski’s personal tax compliance was a matter of public integrity.

That argument failed to gain traction with the GLA’s monitoring officer. On Thursday, the official ruled that the matter concerned Polanski’s "personal living arrangements" and lacked a "sufficient connection" to his professional duties as an assembly member. The case is now closed.

The Political Fallout

The investigation was never just about a tax bill. It was a proxy battle. Garratt, who has been a vocal critic of the Green Party’s fiscal platform, framed the oversight as a moral failure. He suggested that Polanski had avoided consequences through "happy accidents and gaps in legislation." It was a sharp, public rebuke.

Polanski pushed back hard. He characterized the complaints from Garratt and Labour MP Anna Turley as politically motivated. His legal team argued that the accusations were based on assumptions rather than established facts. The Green Party leader maintained that he believed his mooring fees covered all local charges, including council tax. He insisted there was no intent to evade payment.

A Question of Intent

Despite the GLA clearing him of code of conduct breaches, the underlying issue of the unpaid tax remains. Polanski has previously apologized for what he termed an "unintentional mistake." A party spokesperson confirmed that he has taken steps to settle any outstanding council tax liabilities.

For his part, Garratt remains unconvinced by the apology. He views the incident as a contradiction for a politician who advocates for higher tax contributions from others. The tension between the two assembly members is unlikely to dissipate simply because the formal complaint has been dismissed.

Key Takeaways

  • The GLA monitoring officer ruled the complaint did not meet the threshold for a breach of the assembly member code of conduct.
  • Polanski maintains the oversight was an unintentional error and has initiated the process to pay any outstanding tax owed.
  • Conservative AM Neil Garratt, who filed the grievance, continues to argue that the incident reflects a lack of accountability.

What Happens Next

While the GLA has closed its file, the political ledger is not necessarily balanced. The next test for Polanski will be the upcoming budget cycle at City Hall. When the assembly reconvenes to debate the mayoral precept, opponents will likely use this episode to challenge his credibility on fiscal policy. The formal investigation is over. The political scrutiny is not.