The Government is pushing ahead with controversial plans to dramatically raise the fees paid by families when winding up the estate of a loved one.

The proposals will see estates worth £2m or more pay £6,000 in probate fees, up from £155 currently. The 3,770pc increase is a reduction on the original plans, which would have seen a bill of £20,000 for the largest estates.

Estates with a value of between £1m and £1.6m will have to pay £4,000. In London and the South East, where high house prices have led to increased property wealth, many families will be caught out.

Currently, a £215 flat fee applies if probate is applied for by friends or family, or £155 if a solicitor completes the process.

The Government said the changes were necessary to fund the courts system and were a "fair and more progressive" way of paying. It estimated the move would raise £185m a year by 2022/23.

As Telegraph Money has previously warned, the charge is paid in addition to inheritance tax, which is levied at 40pc on assets above each individual's £325,000 threshold.

It had been hoped the Government had dropped the plan in the face of fierce opposition. Legislation was due to be introduced earlier in the year but was only laid before Parliament today.