return of deposit with deductions

[HJT40]

I was a tenant in a house from 2005 and moved out at the end of July this year. Having had the house and carpet cleaned etc. The inventory took place at short notice and I was unable to be there due to work. 1 month later the landlord has sent a cheque deducting at least �440 for cleaning and removal of rubbish, which I had paid the council to come and do. He did not consult with me in any way about what needed doing and how much it would be - can he do this? He checked the inventory going in, but got a company to do it on the way out. I checked it the night before and things like knive marks to the fridge door certainly weren't there.