MP James Morris has accused Sandwell Council of using taxpayers’ money to keep former employees quiet through confidentiality agreements – which he claims are “not cheap”.

The Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP has written to the leader and chief executive of the scandal-hit authority, demanding answers to the use and cost of the 'rumoured' contracts.

In his letter, Mr Morris claims the council has been using a “high number” of confidential agreements – and the use of ‘pay-offs’ – to terminate staff contracts.

But Councillor Steve Eling, leader, refuted Mr Morris’ accusations, telling the News that the Labour-led council does not use them, adding: “Somebody will have to figure out what he’s actually asking for.”

Addressing Cllr Eling and CEO Jan Britton in his letter, the Tory MP said that although agreements “have their place”, they “must be done in very rare circumstances and as a last resort”.

Mr Morris, who raised allegations of ‘corruption, cronyism and bullying’ within the council in a House of Commons debate recently, said: “Unfortunately, like with most things about Sandwell Council, there are a number of rumours about the usage, cost and motive of confidentiality agreements.

“This does nothing for the reputation of the authority, and it is important for the council to answer these serious questions in order to bring an end to the continued speculation.

“The use of these agreements is not cheap, quite often the sums of money involved would take years for the average person to earn.

“People want to know that their money is being spent properly, and not being used to keep people quiet.”

Cllr Eling said the information being asking for will be treated like “any other” Freedom of Information request, and the council will respond to Mr Morris in the “correct and normal manner using the existing process”.

During the House of Commons debate, the MP also called for Cllr Eling to step down as council leader, sparking a war of words between the two politicians.

But the leader, who slammed Mr Morris calling him a ‘coward’, said he had no plans on resigning from his role, adding: “If he wants a battle he can have one.”