First of all it is unacceptable that the Council has still not provided the inspection file for the service charges 5 months after it has been requested. Section 22 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 is very clear: “Facilities for inspection must be provided within one month of the request, and must be available for a period of two months.” Further “A person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to perform a duty imposed on them under Section 22 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 commits a summary offence and is liable on conviction to pay a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.”
There is no reasonable excuse for a 5 months delay in providing the supporting documents for the service charges. Last year I was sent a digital version of the inspection files 2 months after the actual 2019/2020 service charge bills had been issued. One extra month due to Covid is excusable, 5 months is definitely not.
On the repairs issues and the overall mismanagement by Camden Council, these solicitors might be helpful:
Initial no obligation advice is free, then they decide whether they take the case on on a no-win-no-fee basis.