Zack Polanski has said he should have shown “greater care” when checking his council tax liability while living on his houseboat. Which co-conspirators can see here…
Tories and others in City Hall are pursuing Zack’s case – he is an assembly member. In a statement he blamed his “unusual” living arrangements on financial hardship:
““I wish to make absolutely clear that there was never any intention on my part to evade council tax, avoid legal obligations, or obtain any improper financial advantage… 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 went on:
“Whilst I accept that greater care could have been taken in understanding the practical implications of my unconventional housing arrangements, I strongly refute suggestions that my honesty or integrity should be called into question.”
The GLA itself won’t pursue an investigation because the matter relates to Polanski’s “private circumstances.” In the meantime he’s waiting for two councils – Waltham Forest and Hackney – to tell him whether he owes council tax. Bit late…
Speaking at his speech on how to achieve “progressive capitalism” Wes Streeting fired a dig and Andy Burnham:
“Bond markets are not bond villains and fiscal rules matter.”