Social Justice
Benefits system is 'utterly failing' as food bank demand reaches record high: 'It's heartbreaking'
![donate to a food bank](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/5462_220812-WestLothian-1Y4A9070_cChris-Lacey-Photography.jpg?w=768)
Benefits system is 'utterly failing' as food bank demand reaches record high: 'It's heartbreaking'
'We're at breaking point': Food banks see record number of first-time users as demand soars
![food bank](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/6921_230203-RugeleyFoodbank-MET05625_©-Robin-Prime.jpg?w=768)
'We're at breaking point': Food banks see record number of first-time users as demand soars
Benefit reforms 'entirely in the wrong direction' to help disabled people into work, DWP warned
![rishi sunak/ disability benefit reforms dwp](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53719650092_6a4c8787b7_o.jpg?w=768)
Benefit reforms 'entirely in the wrong direction' to help disabled people into work, DWP warned
DWP snooping on benefit claimants' bank accounts will 'decimate civil liberties', campaigners warn
![](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-14T163138.106.jpg?w=768)
DWP snooping on benefit claimants' bank accounts will 'decimate civil liberties', campaigners warn
DWP sparks outcry with plan to hire 2,500 'agents' to investigate universal credit claimants
![rishi sunak and mel stride/ dwp](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53664501945_df5012fc69_o.jpg?w=768)
DWP sparks outcry with plan to hire 2,500 'agents' to investigate universal credit claimants
Free school meals: Who is eligible? And how do you apply? Here's all you need to know
![Free school meals](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/42196ED6-4D76-4A90-90C7-D4F67A790B1D-e1663085633298.jpeg?w=768)
Free school meals: Who is eligible? And how do you apply? Here's all you need to know
Universal credit changes risk pushing vulnerable benefit claimants 'into crisis', DWP warned
![dwp universal credit/ parent balancing baby and work](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-sarah-chai-7282818.jpg?w=751)
Universal credit changes risk pushing vulnerable benefit claimants 'into crisis', DWP warned
Even Suella Braverman wants to end the two-child benefit cap. Why is Labour refusing to budge?
![suella braverman](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53038097891_0df397c9ec_k.jpg?w=768)
Even Suella Braverman wants to end the two-child benefit cap. Why is Labour refusing to budge?
Call for MPs to support new Ukraine-style visa scheme for Palestinians trapped in Gaza
![gaza protest](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ehimetalor-akhere-unuabona-pQbWJirJwbs-unsplash.jpg?w=768)
Call for MPs to support new Ukraine-style visa scheme for Palestinians trapped in Gaza
Can Keir Starmer really stop the boats? Labour warned immigration plan doesn't go far enough
![Keir Starmer greets new Labour MP Natalie Elphicke](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53707890465_34c3fb9623_k-e1715349365852.jpg?w=768)
Can Keir Starmer really stop the boats? Labour warned immigration plan doesn't go far enough
'I'm terrified': Disabled and mentally ill people share harrowing experiences of benefits system
![rishi sunak/ dwp disability benefits changes](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53706186167_f737dc65d9_o.jpg?w=768)
'I'm terrified': Disabled and mentally ill people share harrowing experiences of benefits system
Would devolution of the DWP be a better way of delivering benefits and welfare?
![A miniature figurine businessman looking down on an information booklet for department for work and pensions](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/G0X5R0-jpg.webp?w=669)
Would devolution of the DWP be a better way of delivering benefits and welfare?
Stigma of poverty is a 'wicked social problem', report warns – but it doesn't have to be this way
![](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Untitled-design-2024-05-09T162724.772.jpg?w=768)
Stigma of poverty is a 'wicked social problem', report warns – but it doesn't have to be this way
Will DWP's WorkWell scheme actually help people into work – or is it an attack on disability rights?
![working disabled woman](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-marcus-aurelius-4063789.jpg?w=768)
Will DWP's WorkWell scheme actually help people into work – or is it an attack on disability rights?
Applying for DWP benefits is 'soul-destroying' and 'unnecessarily difficult', study finds
![benefits dwp/ piggy bank](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/pexels-cottonbro-3943716.jpg?w=768)
Applying for DWP benefits is 'soul-destroying' and 'unnecessarily difficult', study finds
India Amarteifio on growing up on benefits and entering the glitzy Bridgerton world
![queen charlotte/ India Amarteifio](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Queen-Charlotte.jpeg?w=768)
India Amarteifio on growing up on benefits and entering the glitzy Bridgerton world
This chef walks the streets of London serving piping hot lasagne to rough sleepers: 'We won't stop coming'
![dean collins/ feeding communities homeless](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_6152.png?w=768)
This chef walks the streets of London serving piping hot lasagne to rough sleepers: 'We won't stop coming'
Historian Darrin M McMahon on why we need to rethink equality for the modern age
![](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/equality-2495950_1920.jpg?w=768)
Historian Darrin M McMahon on why we need to rethink equality for the modern age
Sunak acts like his benefits crackdown impacts the whole UK – but it's far messier than that
![rishi sunak/ welfare](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/53689540269_85a95bde9d_o.jpg?w=768)
Sunak acts like his benefits crackdown impacts the whole UK – but it's far messier than that
DWP crackdown on disability benefits is already causing 'unimaginable terror', MPs warn
![dwp mel stride](https://www.bigissue.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/53228270477_c53c464db2_k.jpg?w=768)