Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Green Party policy on paying our Council Tax? Zack hasn't so should we?
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/12/zack-polanski-gree...
Can any recently elected Green Party councillor advise whether we should pay our Council Tax as their Leader hasn't - as reported by the Guardian today?
This wasn't on any flyer or policy statement issued during the council elections. No Council Tax means you can't deliver the improvements to the social services, adult care and children's services, parking services, street cleaning etc etc etc as promised in your manifesto!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Barbara
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Did Zack vote for the GLA Budget?
Here's a summary from our Ai Google companion..."Recent investigations in 2025 and 2026 have revealed instances of local councillors and members of the Greater London Authority (GLA) falling into council tax arrears. While not a widespread, systematic exemption, these cases of non-payment by elected officials have prompted scrutiny over accountability and potential conflicts of interest.
Key points regarding councillors and council tax:
Active Arrears: Investigations have shown that several councillors across the UK, including in Glasgow and north-east England, have been issued court summons or faced arrears for council tax.
The "Naming and Shaming" Issue: Councils have previously refused to name councillors in arrears, citing data protection, but a 2016 Upper Tribunal ruling established that there is "compelling legitimate interest" in the public knowing if a councillor is in default, particularly for more than two months.
Voting Restrictions: Under Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, any councillor who is at least two months behind on their council tax is barred from voting on the council’s budget or any matters relating to council tax.
GLA Precept: The GLA, led by the Mayor of London, sets a portion of council tax for Londoners (the GLA precept). Members of the London Assembly or the Mayor’s office are legally responsible for paying this tax like all other residents.
Recent Cases: In early 2026, concerns were raised regarding at least one Green GLA member who had failed to pay council tax. In 2024, four Glasgow councillors were found to have been in arrears, though they settled their debts upon being made aware. While some councillors argue that financial pressures, such as the cost of living crisis, have led to "historic" arrears, the issue is considered a significant blow to public trust."
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Permalink Reply by Zena Brabazon
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Hi Barbara
Thanks for the clarifications. From my experience - 14 years sitting on Haringey Council - it is made clear to councillors at the full Council - when the budget is determined and voted on - is that they must declare if they have not paid their council tax. From memory, you can't vote on the budget if you are in arrears.
Zena
Zena Brabazon
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What a story ! If this had been dealt with before the election....admission and payment ...I'm sure people would partly understand.
However...releasing this before the election it would have impacted on voting for sure.
Why was the story only released today? Guardian Green sympathies?
Any of you three Green councillors know why he hadn't paid?
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How embarrassing.
The actual story is one of another Labour Party council failure. For 35 years none of the boats at the mooring were taxed. All residents assumed the council tax was bundled in the mooring charges. And Waltham Forest did nothing to remedy the situation. Dan Neidle (Stella Creasy's electoral agent) spent days on this non-story. The kind of cope that confirms they are all still stuck somewhere between the first two stages of grief.
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https://taxpolicy.org.uk/2026/05/11/zack-polanski-boat-council-tax-...
Plenty of discussion here if you have the time to read a well researched account.
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Yes Barbara... that's Dan Neidle's website. Give your 'AI companion' a day or two to catch up.
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