WIRRAL Council says it will have to write off almost £2m of debts owed to it by Primary Care Trusts across the country.

Some of the debts date back to 2000/01 and relate to the cost of care provided to people with “specialised or complex” needs.

Last year, Wirral’s director of adult social services, John Webb, insisted the department still intended to pursue payment on the debts, after criticism from Conservative councillor Chris Blakeley that the authority appeared to be on the verge of writing it off.

But a report by Mr Webb said: “Having sought counsel’s advice and arbitration from the Strategic Health Authority, these debts are considered to be irrecoverable.”

Most of the money to be written off relates to the care of six people.

Wirral Council tried to bill Bassetlaw, Conwy, Eastern Wakefield, Shepway and Craven, and Harrogate & Rural PCTs.

Although the authority claimed £2.6m, only just over £1m was ever paid.

Mr Webb said: “Counsel’s advice was sought on the issue of whether or not these debts were recoverable and the advice was that proceedings would be complex, it would be a difficult matter to pursue with no guarantee of success, and more detailed information to support the claim was needed.

“No supporting documentation was, however, available within the Department.”