Camden Council has been fined £500,000 after four years of failure to address serious fire defects in one of its properties led to the death of a 35-year-old woman.

Magdalena Fink, a paralegal, died in a blaze at her council-maintained block of flats in 31, Daleham Gardens, Hampstead, on November 21, 2017.

Camden Council failed to act on a 2013 risk assessment, despite being warned the block urgently needed a new fire alarm system, replacement fire doors, and the removal of flammable timber cladding on the single escape route.

At Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 1 the council pleaded guilty to two health and safety breaches regarding the lack of fire detectors and alarms and an escape route.

On May 9, District Judge John McGarva imposed a £500,000 fine, which was reduced due to the council’s guilty plea and the fact that it is a public authority, meaning a higher fine would have an impact on services.

Camden Council will also pay the London Fire Brigade, which brought the prosecution, £41,000 in legal costs.

Cllr Matthew Kirk, Belsize Park representative (Lib Dem) said it was a "dramatic failure" by the council.

He said: "This is a huge amount of money which could have bought a lot of benefits for Camden residents.

"It's a lot less that anticipated and I hope it's enough that it produces a permanent change in culture ensuring that Camden takes fire safety seriously not just now but into the future.

"The failing from 2013 to 2017 to do urgent repairs and upgrades is shocking. The fact they found the money in 2018 when purse strings were tighter shows it wasn't a failing about cash but a failure about priority."

He added that "no officer has taken responsibility for this clearly dramatic failing".

A Camden Council spokesperson said: “Our deep sympathies remain with the family and friends of Magdalena Fink, who tragically lost her life in this incident. 

"We are also deeply sorry for the impact this incident has had on the residents who were living at Daleham Gardens at the time.

“When this incident occurred, Daleham Gardens did not meet the high standards of fire safety which Camden Council is committed to achieving across its housing. We are truly sorry this was the case.

“Camden has made a clear and public commitment to achieving the highest standard of resident safety, and since 2017, we have invested significantly in improving safety across our housing.

"Our comprehensive programme of fire safety works includes key practical measures - ensuring our homes have appropriate fire doors, emergency lighting, fire alarms and fire stopping. 

"Camden Council has a dedicated and resilient fire safety team and has set up new forums for residents and the London Fire Brigade to raise safety concerns and issues. 

"We have publicly committed to resident safety through our Fire and Building Safety Charter, which guides our approach on resident safety.”