'Free school meal boost will put £500 in parents' pockets and help kids achieve'

It's the mission of this government to put more money in the pockets of working people, make families better off, and set up every child for success. And I'm ambitious for all children.
I want every child to have every opportunity and the best support to aim high, achieve good grades, and get the best education possible.
That starts with the basics - it's common sense that children can't do well at school if they're hungry.
That's why today I'm proud to announce that over half a million more children will get a free school meal every day.
All children in a household on Universal Credit will now be eligible, giving them the support they need to learn and thrive.
It will put £500 in parents' pockets, help children achieve at school, and ease cost-of-living pressures.
The Mirror has long campaigned on free school meals, so I'm delighted that we're able to make this announcement today.
My message to Mirror readers is this - my government will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit to give every child the best start in life.
But easing the pressure on the cost of living goes beyond this announcement.
That's why we're rolling out free breakfast clubs, to save parents time and money in the mornings and make sure kids have the best start to the day.
It's why we're limiting the number of branded items of school uniforms, saving parents hard earned cash.
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It's why we're expanding childcare hours to bring down the costs of childcare.
And it's why we're boosting the minimum wage, creating good, well paid jobs, and cracking down on unfair practices at work.
The last Labour government did incredible work to lift children out of poverty.
This Labour government will break the link between background and opportunity, so every single child has the chance to succeed.
This is part of our Plan for Change, to break down barriers to opportunity.
We're making sure families have the tools they need - so parents can be confident that their children will have every chance to go far in life and work.

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