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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
Here's when pensioners will get the winter fuel payment in 2024
pensioner
Benefits

Here's when pensioners will get the winter fuel payment in 2024

Warm home discount: Am I eligible and how can I apply?
a close-up view of a decorative dish on a table with festive candles, pine cones and warm fairy lights in the background
Cost of living crisis

Warm home discount: Am I eligible and how can I apply?

Ukrainian mum who fled war dreams of buying Christmas tree and presents for her children
Christmas

Ukrainian mum who fled war dreams of buying Christmas tree and presents for her children

Assisted dying is a step closer to being legalised – but are the safeguards tough enough?
kim leadbeater talking about her assisted dying bill
Assisted dying

Assisted dying is a step closer to being legalised – but are the safeguards tough enough?

'This is a very difficult decision': MPs vote to take forward assisted dying bill after emotional debate
kim leadbeater
Assisted dying

'This is a very difficult decision': MPs vote to take forward assisted dying bill after emotional debate

Meet the tireless volunteers making sure children in poverty have a Christmas to remember
Christmas toy appeals

Meet the tireless volunteers making sure children in poverty have a Christmas to remember

Benefit claimants need enough money to buy food if Labour wants to 'get Britain working again'
dwp's liz kendall
Benefits

Benefit claimants need enough money to buy food if Labour wants to 'get Britain working again'

How to volunteer at a food bank
volunteers arrange food donations along rows of crates on tables
Food banks

How to volunteer at a food bank

Here's how to donate to a food bank near you this winter
a man sorts food donations into crates at a food bank
Food banks

Here's how to donate to a food bank near you this winter

Labour warned against 'scare tactics' after revealing Jobcentres reform plan to 'get Britain working'
keir starmer
Department for Work and Pensions

Labour warned against 'scare tactics' after revealing Jobcentres reform plan to 'get Britain working'

Keir Starmer's pledge on benefits 'deepens stigma' and leads to 'fear and shame'
keir starmer
Benefits

Keir Starmer's pledge on benefits 'deepens stigma' and leads to 'fear and shame'

These children are going blind – so their parents gave them memories to last a lifetime
kids
Film

These children are going blind – so their parents gave them memories to last a lifetime