A search is under way to find the person responsible for leaking confidential information about a massive overspend in a council department.

A memo has been sent to members of Middlesbrough's Labour Party after the £2.3m social services shortfall was revealed prior to the group meeting on August 18.

The message, from Labour group leader Paul Thompson and group whip Martin Booth, urges members to contact them if they know who is responsible or think they may have let the news slip unintentionally.

Last night, Councillor Thompson declined to comment about the hunt, but the Northern Echo has obtained a copy of the document.

It said: "We are concerned that a person may have deliberately leaked this information in order to create embarrassment or for some other reason and we are mindful that this is serious breach of group discipline.

"As the meeting was called to discuss the severe financial difficulties facing the authority, further instruction was given to the group before and during the meeting that the items for discussion were confidential.

"This gathering provided a platform for us to discuss our position in private.

"These issues are politically sensitive and potentially harmful to individuals and the council as a whole."

The memo reminded members that the proceedings of meetings, agenda papers and minutes for Labour group meetings are confidential and should not be disclosed without group approval.

It advised anyone who had difficulty adhering to this request to speak to a group officer before talking to the Media.

Middlesbrough Council was criticised by the former head of social services, Bob Pitt, who said the £2.3m overspend would mean that vulnerable members of society would suffer in attempts to recoup the loss.

More charges will be imposed for those who require help from social services, and fewer people will be eligible.