An investigation by BBC Radio Newcastle has discovered the money is owed to people who have been unlawfully charged for their care.

In July the office of the Local Government Ombudsman instructed councils to identify people who were detained in hospital under Section Three of the Mental Health Act.

Most North East councils have charged the families of patients for residential aftercare, but that has now been ruled unlawful.

Durham County Council's social services department could face a bill of �1m.

Some councils have yet to come up with a final figure.

Six that have come up with a figure could be paying a total of nearly �3m to just over 600 people.