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Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is a senior reporter at The Big Issue. She reports on a wide range of issues across social affairs and culture. 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
'I'd rather a haunted house than a dodgy landlord': What's it really like to live with ghosts?
Inside the living room of 30 East Drive, where a poltergeist is believed to live. Image: 30 East Drive
Halloween

'I'd rather a haunted house than a dodgy landlord': What's it really like to live with ghosts?

Universal credit should increase by 6.2% in 2026. Here's what you need to know
rachel reeves
Universal credit

Universal credit should increase by 6.2% in 2026. Here's what you need to know

DWP to save billions by tackling fraud and error in the benefits system. But at what cost?
Prime minister Keir Starmer and chancellor Rachel Reeves laughing
Benefit fraud

DWP to save billions by tackling fraud and error in the benefits system. But at what cost?

What is the two-child benefit limit and how does it impact families?
three children/ two-child benefit cap
Benefits

What is the two-child benefit limit and how does it impact families?

Meet the people helping homeless women access abortions: 'It's about giving them the choice'
a woman being supported by a nurse
Abortion

Meet the people helping homeless women access abortions: 'It's about giving them the choice'

People with learning disabilities are dying 20 years early, report finds: 'They deserve better'
Top left: Chloe Every. Bottom left and right: Charlie Lander and family
Learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities are dying 20 years early, report finds: 'They deserve better'

Older workers are turning to Botox and plastic surgery to keep their jobs: 'What a depressing thought'
An older person having plastic surgery examination
Employment

Older workers are turning to Botox and plastic surgery to keep their jobs: 'What a depressing thought'

Anti-abortion groups have received funds from the UK government and National Lottery
A chancellor of the exchequer holding the briefcase containing the government's budget.
Abortion

Anti-abortion groups have received funds from the UK government and National Lottery

Labour deputy hopeful Lucy Powell on benefit cuts, landlords and Farage: 'There's no quick fix'
Lucy Powell in House of Commons
Politics

Labour deputy hopeful Lucy Powell on benefit cuts, landlords and Farage: 'There's no quick fix'

What is the truth about crisis pregnancy centres? The anti-abortion facilities creeping across Britain
a woman sitting on a couch
Abortion

What is the truth about crisis pregnancy centres? The anti-abortion facilities creeping across Britain

Abortion is close to decriminalisation. But how quickly can rights and progress be rolled back?
abortion rights protest
Abortion

Abortion is close to decriminalisation. But how quickly can rights and progress be rolled back?

DWP job advisers will soon be in GP surgeries and mental health services
two people on chairs having a discussion. a form is in the centre
Department for Work and Pensions

DWP job advisers will soon be in GP surgeries and mental health services