AN investigation by local government watchdog Standards for England has dismissed a complaint against four Wirral councillors.

The probe was into allegations against councillors Moira McLaughlin - set to be made Wirral's new Mayor on Monday - Denise Roberts, Pat Williams and Ann Bridson.

It centred around adult social services "special charging" policy - a regime for which the council was forced to repay £250,000 to care home residents.

A statement issued today by Standards for England said that on April 1 of this year, it had "received a referral from Wirral Borough Council’s Standards Committee’s Initial Assessment Panel relating to the alleged behaviour of councillors Moira McLaughlin, Denise Roberts, Pat Williams and Ann Bridson with regard to the continuation of special charging policy operated by the council.

"Having carefully considered the information provided to it, Standards for England has decided... that no further action be taken on the allegation."

The four were members of a council review group in 2005 which scrutinised the various charging and financial schedules operating within the local authority for residential care provision.

The scandal of the "special" charging policy was exposed in the Globe in 2009.

Whistleblower Martin Morton, a senior social services manager, uncovered a regime in which vulnerable adults in the care of the local authority were systematically overcharged for their accommodation during a period of seven years.

Mr Morton raised his concerns several times with his managers, but was first ignored then bullied and driven out of his job.

He was paid £45,000 to leave the service and told to keep quiet.

Instead, in November 2008, he approached the Wirral Globe and after our exclusive reports, two senior officers of the council were suspended but, after disciplinary hearings, reinstated.

Eventually an investigation was carried out and the council forced to admit its errors, repaying £250,000 between 16 care home residents.

Last month, council cabinet studied another 270-page independent report into Mr Martin's bullying claims.

The review, although confidential, was of such a damaging nature that council leader Cllr Jeff Green was moved to issue an unprecedented apology on behalf of the authority.

It was made to both Mr Morton, for the "appalling" manner in which he had been treated, and to the 16 care home residents, whom he said had been "ripped off" by the council.

He said the former employee was treated disgracefully, offered him his job back and issued a warning those responsible for the bullying will be disciplined.

A further investigation into the overcharging has been conducted and its finding are scheduled to be published at the end of May.