Issues with letting agent

[Chakeleke]

I rented a flat through a letting agent and the letting agent provided us a key fob access as the property comes with allocated parking. Subsequently we started receiving multiple parking charges on investigation, the landlords parking permit has expired. Property managers advised us that only the landlord can apply for a permit. Parking is on a private parking company.
Now most of the debt are progressing to debt collection and court claims. I am not sure what to do. I cannot afford a lawyer either. The letting agent is not taking responsibility and we do noy have any contact of the landlord.

Citizen advise said appear on court and defend yourself. I do not trust this advise considering that there are upto 7 parking charges.
I do not know what the way forward is.
Please advise me

Citizens Advice have loads of experience. I would follow their advice. You didn't know the permit had expired and you can't renew it. You can represent yourself at court without a lawyer, just explain what happened and take along any written evidence you have, eg email messages or notes of conversations between you and the companies involved. A judge would surely find in your favour.

Was the flat advertised as having access to a parking space? Does you tenancy documents show the flat comes with private parking? If it does, does it say it's your responsibility to pay and maintain an up to date permit?

If you can show you are only using the facilities you agreed to and there was no knowledge of a permit then there's reason to believe the court will waive the charges or transfer them to the landlord.

If it gets as far as small claims court though, you should always attend to put your case forward, the judge will ask questions, look at evidence and make a decision. It's not like a TV court scene with barristers and gavels being hit with calls for "Order" . It might even be a video call.