EXTRA help for low-income Borders parents is being rolled out this week.

The first Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payments will be made before Christmas.

The payment will see eligible applicants receive £600 for their first child, £100 more than the DWP Sure Start Maternity Grant it replaces.

This payment also provides £300 for all subsequent children – meaning there is no cap on the number of children it supports, unlike the current UK Government equivalent.

In addition to the Pregnancy and Baby Payment, by summer 2019, two additional early years payments will be introduced.

The first £250 payment will be made around the time a child starts nursery, to help with the costs of early learning and a further £250 when they start school.

Social Security Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We will be delivering the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment earlier than originally planned,

providing low income families with increased financial support.”