Former planning authority executive Ray Piscopo will be asked to refund his annual transport allowance after he was forced to resign for helping himself to an office car while being paid to use his own.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority confirmed it would ask for the money back but did not specify the amount.

Mr Piscopo’s resignation was announced last week after Labour MP Leo Brincat tabled a parliamentary question drawing attention to the fact that he was using an official car, even during weekends, despite receiving an allowance.

Mepa said it investigated the case and found that the information was correct. Mr Piscopo was then “made to resign”.

He has since refused to comment on the matter.

The Sunday Times last week reported that Mr Piscopo, who was responsible for the directorate of corporate services, earned a total of €53,500 in salary, benefits and allowances.

Mepa had said it was carrying out further investigations to determine the extent of the car allowance paid.

According to sources, Mr Piscopo began using a Mepa vehicle several months ago when his own car broke down and he was given a special temporary arrangement until the repairs were made. However, the “arrangement” remained even after his car was back on the road.

Mr Piscopo, an engineer by profession, has been running the corporate services directorate since 2008 and was responsible for human resources and finances.

One of Mepa’s top five executives, Mr Piscopo is the second public official to resign in less than a week.