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Blackley MP Graham Stringer says families could be losing out by not applying for the new tax breaks aimed at hard-working families.

He believes the government's new Children's Tax Credit could provide a huge boost for families living on low-incomes and is urging them to take advantage of the cash on offer.

The tax break could be worth up to ?520 a year when it comes into effect in April and thousands of couples in the Blackley constituency could qualify.

Mr Stringer says that although application forms have been sent out, many who may be eligible have failed to return them.

He is now advising all working families with at least one child under 16 years old to make enquiries about their entitlement on the Children's Tax Credit helpline on 0845 609 5000.

Mr Stringer said: "Millions of application forms have been sent out but ministers tell me that some families with a right to the new tax credit have not returned their form.

"At up to ?520 a year, the new tax credit is far more generous than the old Married Couples Allowance it replaces which was only worth about ?297 a year when it was phased out.

"It will also help families when they need it most, while their children are growing up."