Passport applications will now cost most in the post than online for the first time, under new government proposals.

A standard adult passport or renewal costs £72.50 regardless of how the application is made, but under the changes which could take effect within weeks it will be £75.50 for online applications and £85 for postal applications.

The Home Office plans will see fees go up across the board, but the hikes will be less steep for those applying on the internet.

Children’s passports will go up from £46 currently to £49 online and £58.50 in the post.

The plans, which will have to be approved by parliament before coming into force on March 27 are part of a drive to increase the use of online services.

One in 10 households in Great Britain do not have internet access, according to official figures.

A spokesman for travel trade organisation Abta said: "The online application process for renewing a passport is relatively straightforward, but there will be some customers who either do not have access to the internet or who may be uncomfortable with the process."

An impact assessment says HM Passport Office is expected to receive additional income of up to £50 million in the financial year 2018-19 from the proposed fee increase.

The proposals are unrelated to the announcement that the UK passport will change colour from burgundy to blue after Britain leaves the EU.

HMPO processes over six million passport applications each year.