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Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is a senior reporter at The Big Issue specialising in social justice. She reports on a wide range of issues including poverty and inequality, the benefits system, disability rights, housing, health, immigration, gender equality and much more. Isabella was awarded Best News Story at the Anti-Slavery Day Awards in 2025. She was also a winner of the PPA Next Gen Awards in 2023, formerly known as the 30 under 30, and was shortlisted for journalist of the year in the Scope Disability Awards 2024. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
Over 85,000 children in Britain living in extreme poverty: 'There's a sense of hopelessness'
child asleep
Child poverty

Over 85,000 children in Britain living in extreme poverty: 'There's a sense of hopelessness'

'I'll lose my ability to be part of society': Disabled people fear life after Labour's benefit cuts
Disability benefits

'I'll lose my ability to be part of society': Disabled people fear life after Labour's benefit cuts

'Being alive is utterly exhausting': How Covid forced people out of work and onto benefits
long-covid patient pictures
Five years since the pandemic

'Being alive is utterly exhausting': How Covid forced people out of work and onto benefits

Poorest Brits now worse off than poorest people in Slovenia, report finds – here's why
houses of parliament
Cost of living

Poorest Brits now worse off than poorest people in Slovenia, report finds – here's why

Cuts to benefits would be a 'grave mistake', Keir Starmer warned by his own MPs
keir starmer
Benefits

Cuts to benefits would be a 'grave mistake', Keir Starmer warned by his own MPs

Why are so many people off work sick? Labour told not to forget the pandemic ahead of benefit cuts
Healthcare workers march through London during the pandemic. Image: Unsplash
Five years since the pandemic

Why are so many people off work sick? Labour told not to forget the pandemic ahead of benefit cuts

One in four teachers spending own money to feed hungry pupils as parents struggle with costs
child eating food at lunch
Child poverty

One in four teachers spending own money to feed hungry pupils as parents struggle with costs

Disability benefit cuts could plunge 700,000 households into poverty, Labour warned
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves
Disability benefits

Disability benefit cuts could plunge 700,000 households into poverty, Labour warned

Millions of universal credit and disability benefit claimants turn to food banks: 'I'm terrified of cuts'
food banks
Food banks

Millions of universal credit and disability benefit claimants turn to food banks: 'I'm terrified of cuts'

DWP reveals new plans to get sick and disabled people into work ahead of benefit cuts
DWP minister Liz Kendall
Department for Work and Pensions

DWP reveals new plans to get sick and disabled people into work ahead of benefit cuts

Slashing billions from welfare will not help people into work or save money, Rachel Reeves warned
chancellor rachel reeves
Department for Work and Pensions

Slashing billions from welfare will not help people into work or save money, Rachel Reeves warned

Learning disability services have faced 'drastic reduction in funding' despite saving NHS money
Kerry Martin speaking at the report launch event in the Houses of Parliament on 6th Feb. Credit: Maya Roberts
Learning disabilities

Learning disability services have faced 'drastic reduction in funding' despite saving NHS money