Isabella McRae
Isabella McRae is a senior reporter and feature writer 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
Anger as energy firms allowed to resume force-fitting prepayment meters: 'Cruel and dangerous'
elderly man
Energy bills

Anger as energy firms allowed to resume force-fitting prepayment meters: 'Cruel and dangerous'

Tories accused of playing Big Brother with bill giving DWP powers to 'snoop' on bank accounts
spying
Department for Work and Pensions

Tories accused of playing Big Brother with bill giving DWP powers to 'snoop' on bank accounts

No excuse for shoplifting due to 'generous' UK benefits system, minister says. Here's the reality
shoplifting
Cost of living crisis

No excuse for shoplifting due to 'generous' UK benefits system, minister says. Here's the reality

Average UK household faces £17,200 of debt by 2026: 'We can't afford a Tory government any longer'
debt worries
Cost of living crisis

Average UK household faces £17,200 of debt by 2026: 'We can't afford a Tory government any longer'

DWP benefits payment dates to expect in January 2024 – with changes over the New Year
Benefits

DWP benefits payment dates to expect in January 2024 – with changes over the New Year

New Year Honours list: Emilia Clarke and her mum made MBEs for setting up brain injury charity
New Year Honours

New Year Honours list: Emilia Clarke and her mum made MBEs for setting up brain injury charity

I was groomed by drug gangs and forced into slavery, aged 9. I'm lucky to have made it out alive
modern slavery
Modern slavery

I was groomed by drug gangs and forced into slavery, aged 9. I'm lucky to have made it out alive

Man left 'suicidal' and sacrificing food after being 'harassed' by debt collectors
rob
Cost of living crisis

Man left 'suicidal' and sacrificing food after being 'harassed' by debt collectors

End to household support fund will mean 'more people will go cold, hungry and lose their homes'
jeremy hunt
Cost of living crisis

End to household support fund will mean 'more people will go cold, hungry and lose their homes'

Here's when people in Scotland will get the winter heating payment in 2023 and 2024
winter heating payment
Cost of living crisis

Here's when people in Scotland will get the winter heating payment in 2023 and 2024

Carib Eats: Meet the grassroots group helping the needy with Caribbean food and community
carib eats
Cost of living crisis

Carib Eats: Meet the grassroots group helping the needy with Caribbean food and community

Uncertainty over minister for disabled people role sparks backlash: 'What message does this send?'
dwp
DWP

Uncertainty over minister for disabled people role sparks backlash: 'What message does this send?'