WIRRAL Council has launched an investigation into allegations of bullying which a whistleblower claims forced him to leave his job.

Martin Morton had attempted to make Wirral Council repay money which was taken from vulnerable adults in the authority’s care under a so-called “special charging policy”.

Reports by the Audit Commission and an internal investigation revealed that people with severe learning difficulties and disabilities at three council-run establishments had been overcharged more than £100,000.

However, an audit committee meeting last week was told the real figures could be much higher.

At the same meeting Mr Morton told councillors of the bullying and isolation imposed on him after he revealed the extent of the overcharging and tried to get the money repaid.

At a meeting of the council’s ruling cabinet, Cllr Simon Holbrook called for an investigation into Mr Morton’s allegations.

Cllr Simon Mountney, who has backed Mr Morton’s efforts to have the council investigate the overcharging and repay the money, said he was “absolutely delighted” at the cabinet decision.