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
DWP says there's 'more learning to do' as every MP given book on deaths of disabled benefit claimants
The Department - book about the failings of the DWP by John Pring
Department for Work and Pensions

DWP says there's 'more learning to do' as every MP given book on deaths of disabled benefit claimants

'This will only intensify': Millions of pensioners at risk of serious illness due to UK heatwaves
older man in heatwave temperatures
Heatwave

'This will only intensify': Millions of pensioners at risk of serious illness due to UK heatwaves

I have worn second hand clothes my whole life. I don’t know why anyone would shop new
lesley wearing her second hand finds
Second hand September

I have worn second hand clothes my whole life. I don’t know why anyone would shop new

Elderly people's lives in danger without winter fuel payment, Labour warned: 'This is a mistake'
uncle nigel
Winter fuel payment

Elderly people's lives in danger without winter fuel payment, Labour warned: 'This is a mistake'

Single mum with disabled children told to pay DWP back £17,000 in benefit overpayments
mum and child
Benefit overpayments

Single mum with disabled children told to pay DWP back £17,000 in benefit overpayments

No update on future of household support fund until autumn budget, DWP minister says
Rachel Reeves
Household support fund

No update on future of household support fund until autumn budget, DWP minister says

Disabled people's health is 'shockingly neglected' in UK, research finds as Paralympics begins
disabled people sport
Disability rights

Disabled people's health is 'shockingly neglected' in UK, research finds as Paralympics begins

'My heart burns': Three years after fall of Kabul, Afghan women share stories of escape and hope
young afghan women Maryam and Saghar
Afghanistan

'My heart burns': Three years after fall of Kabul, Afghan women share stories of escape and hope

Keir Starmer defends scrapping winter fuel payment for pensioners not on benefits
keir starmer
Winter fuel payment

Keir Starmer defends scrapping winter fuel payment for pensioners not on benefits

How to get pension credit and ensure you get the winter fuel payment in 2024
Elderly couple happy
Pensions

How to get pension credit and ensure you get the winter fuel payment in 2024

Millions of Brits unable to afford winter energy bills as price cap rises by £149: 'Disastrous'
hob on flame
Energy bills

Millions of Brits unable to afford winter energy bills as price cap rises by £149: 'Disastrous'

Nearly one million more people will be unpaid carers by 2035, report finds
elderly couple walking together
Social care

Nearly one million more people will be unpaid carers by 2035, report finds