WIRRAL Council has ordered a new and independent review into the authority’s response to a “whistleblower's" concerns about Social Services’ charging policies.

The outcome of an earlier investigation saw the council agreeing to repay almost a quarter-of-a-million pounds to 16 care home residents.

But this week, leader of the council Cllr Jeff Green said serious questions remained unanswered.

He said: “In view of the seriousness of the issues raised, I have always believed that a thorough, independent review of the council’s response is in the public interest.

“This review will determine whether the important matters brought to the council’s attention have been properly and adequately addressed and whether lessons to be learned have been heeded.”

Elderly and vulnerable people living in homes at Bermuda Road, Curlew Way and Edgehill Road, all in Moreton, were systematically overcharged by Adult Social Services for seven years from 1997.

The scandal only came to light after former council employee Martin Morton revealed the overcharging to the Wirral Globe in November, 2008.

He had raised his concerns several times with his managers, but claimed he was ignored, bullied and driven out of his job.

Following our exclusive reports, two senior officers were suspended but, after disciplinary hearings, were later reinstated.

The stress of blowing the whistle drove Mr Morton to the verge of a nervous breakdown and he was subsequently hospitalised.

He was given a £45,000 pay-off from the council to leave his job in social services.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “I welcome an independent inquiry as a means of properly addressing this disgraceful case which continues to bring the council into disrepute.

“It is significant that the previous administration would not sanction such an investigation when it came before full council in November of 2009.”

An internal audit to examine Mr Morton’s claims was eventually ordered and reported its findings in September of last year.

It ruled that people living in the three homes under a so-called “special charging policy” had been overcharged and that the policy was unlawful.

Councillor Simon Mountney, who chairs the audit & risk management committee, revealed that Anna Klonowski, a public sector professional with more than 20 years' experience, will lead the review.

He described her as “committed to improving services for customers and stakeholders and is the ideal person to bring a truly independent view on this important, difficult issue.”