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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
Half a million seriously ill and disabled people could have universal credit cut under DWP plans
jobcentre
Universal credit

Half a million seriously ill and disabled people could have universal credit cut under DWP plans

Why is Keir Starmer being called Sir Kid Starver?
Labour

Why is Keir Starmer being called Sir Kid Starver?

Panic attacks, pressure to 'ramp up numbers' and a 'bullying atmosphere': Life as a DWP disability benefits assessor
dwp disability benefits
Disability benefits

Panic attacks, pressure to 'ramp up numbers' and a 'bullying atmosphere': Life as a DWP disability benefits assessor

This is how much summer holiday childcare will set families back in the cost of living crisis
summer holiday childcare
Summer holidays

This is how much summer holiday childcare will set families back in the cost of living crisis

A mother felt 'stripped of humanity' when her baby was taken away. There was 'no support' from public services
public services/ pregnant
Inequality

A mother felt 'stripped of humanity' when her baby was taken away. There was 'no support' from public services

'I'm an amputee and the DWP reduced my disability benefits. I worried I would be homeless'
disability benefits/ aidan
Disability benefits

'I'm an amputee and the DWP reduced my disability benefits. I worried I would be homeless'

Women in North East of England nearly twice as likely to die early from suicide, addiction or domestic homicide
Health inequalities

Women in North East of England nearly twice as likely to die early from suicide, addiction or domestic homicide

‘The DWP took away my disability benefits. I've had so many tribunal dates I've lost count'
dwp
Disability benefits

‘The DWP took away my disability benefits. I've had so many tribunal dates I've lost count'

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
Disability benefits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

90,000 people sign open letter to Rishi Sunak demanding free school meals for all
free school meals for all
Week of action

90,000 people sign open letter to Rishi Sunak demanding free school meals for all

Free school meals for all would generate billions for the economy. Here's why
Free school meals illustration
Week of action

Free school meals for all would generate billions for the economy. Here's why

These countries offer free school meals for all – so why can't the UK?
Free school meals
Week of action

These countries offer free school meals for all – so why can't the UK?