The council says its care refund bill could run into millions

The authority is appealing to the Scottish Executive for help to meet the costs.

The charges were levied by the council on those receiving help with meals as part of the national free care for the elderly policy.

The authority said it was now facing the prospect of paying back charges dating back as far as 2001.

Based on the annual income from the fees, the council's total financial liability could be about �3.75m.

The charges imposed were based on an interpretation of the guidelines on free care for the elderly.

Controversial case

It was seen as something of a grey area with some local authorities charging and others not doing so.

However, in January this year Dumfries and Galloway opted to drop its fees.

The move followed controversy about a 94-year-old woman who had been paying �60 a week because her care workers helped make her toast every morning.

The deputy health minister, Lewis MacDonald, has since confirmed that no fees should be imposed.

He is now being asked to provide a multi-million pound cash package to help Dumfries and Galloway Council repay those affected.