€100 jump in back-to-school allowance and 60k more children to get free hot meals

The combination of the various measures will represent a saving of €9 a week for families affected, the Government has said. Picture: iStock

The rate of the back-to-school allowance has been increased by €100 under new plans announced by the Government in a bid to address the cost of living crisis.

The Government has also expanded the hot school meals scheme to another 60,000 children in disadvantaged schools from the start of the new school year.