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Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is associate editor at the Big Issue, where she specialises in coverage of the poverty and welfare system. She has interviewed prime ministers Andy Burnham and Sir Keir Starmer, written impactful series on the special education system, abortion rights and homelessness, led Big Issue takeovers by people with a learning disability, young people and people with Alzheimer's, as well as conducted many high-profile celebrity interviews. Isabella was awarded Best News Story at the Anti-Slavery Day Awards in 2025, was 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. She also has an MA in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. Get in touch with Isabella through isabella.mcrae@bigissue.com
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

Pensioners 'reduced to tears' by 'complex' forms when applying for help from DWP
pensioner looking out the window
Department for Work and Pensions

Pensioners 'reduced to tears' by 'complex' forms when applying for help from DWP

I was made redundant while on maternity leave – it has scarred me for life
Pregnant then Screwed campaigners
Employment

I was made redundant while on maternity leave – it has scarred me for life

DWP payment dates in March 2025: When you will get your benefits this month
image of cash
Benefits

DWP payment dates in March 2025: When you will get your benefits this month

Fats Timbo: 'It was hard growing up with dwarfism – but I'm going to change the world'
Fats Timbo
Disability activism

Fats Timbo: 'It was hard growing up with dwarfism – but I'm going to change the world'

Scrap two-child benefit cap to prove you're serious about child poverty, Labour told
Child poverty

Scrap two-child benefit cap to prove you're serious about child poverty, Labour told

DWP blew tens of millions in taxpayer cash on fighting disability benefit claims
dwp
Exclusive

DWP blew tens of millions in taxpayer cash on fighting disability benefit claims