HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has said more than 6.9 million families claiming Child Benefit will be entitled to more from April 6.

They can get £27.05 per week - or £1,406.60 a year - for the eldest or only child, and £17.90 per week - or £930.80 a year - for each additional child.

There is no limit on how many children parents can claim for.

The change works out as an annual increase of £52 and £33.80 respectively.

Child Benefit is usually paid every four weeks.

Latest government figures show that only 72pc of families claim it in their baby’s first year.

The easiest way to make a claim is via the HMRC app.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s chief customer officer, said: "Looking after a child can be expensive and especially a newborn baby.

"It takes a few minutes to claim Child Benefit via the app and doing so as soon as you can after your baby is born will ensure you don’t miss out on vital financial support."

© Eastern Daily Press