A mother and her daughter report living in a “freezing” council property for six years due to persistent failures to address broken windows.
Charlie Cox resides in an Edwardian home in Camden, where she claims that contractors have come numerous times over the years yet have failed to provide a lasting fix.
She notes that the council is aware of the health issues affecting her and her daughter, which include serious asthma exacerbated by dampness and mold on the walls of their kitchen and bathroom.
In response, the council acknowledged that the delays are “unacceptable” and offered an apology, citing the building’s age as a reason for the necessity of specialized contractors to carry out the repairs.
Ms. Cox informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the first contractor was let go by the council after fitting windows that were over 3 centimeters too small, and that subsequent efforts only aggravated the situation.
“We are, quite frankly, freezing,” Ms. Cox stated.
“There has never been a true sense of urgency. The heating has also been broken, and Camden has been aware of this for quite some time.”
Ms. Cox claims that council representatives have blamed her for the delays, accusing her of failing to contact them or denying entry to her home—allegations she refutes, asserting that she has arranged meetings with some contractors on her own.
A spokesperson for Camden Council said: “We recognize that the delay in installing appropriate replacement windows has taken longer than anticipated, and we appreciate Ms. Cox’s patience as we strive to resolve this matter.
“We are exploring alternative solutions to these issues to ensure the best possible outcome, which has regrettably extended the timeline required to finish these repairs.
“We have maintained regular communication with Ms. Cox throughout this process; however, gaining access to her home is crucial for timely repairs and for us to complete the needed work as swiftly as we can.”
The council indicated that a visit took place on December 20, 2025, to evaluate and address any damp or mold problems.
