UK Poverty Post

Why I talk about being poor on national TV

You might have seen me yesterday on the BBC, as part of the coverage of Oxfam’s new FRED report, talking about how hard it is living on a low income. Well I’m getting used to talking about it now, because a few weeks ago I sat and watched myself on Newsnight. The reporter came to my house and interviewed me, budgie in the background. I told her how I used to be quite well-off, running a pet food business and quite well known. But that now, as a carer for my disabled husband and son, I’m forced into accepting door step loans, from companies charging exorbitant interest rates taking advantage of people like me.

I talked about how they come to the door and offer instant cash – so hard to turn down, when the boiler’s broken, or one of the kids desperately needs new shoes. I told the reporter how I took out a £500 loan, and ended up paying back £850.

But it wasn’t easy, being interviewed. When it was shown, my son rang and asked “what on earth do you think you’re doing, going on TV and talking about how poor you are?” I told him that I wanted to try and change things. That by taking part in the Thrive project, talking about the reality of door step loans, the benefits system, the daily struggle of being poor, I might help open a few people’s eyes, get them thinking. If it can affect me, it can affect anyone.

But the hardest thing, I think, is that nothing really seems to change when I do interviews like that. Oxfam were recommending a six-point plan yesterday – if any of it happens, lots of people’s lives will be changed for the better, including mine. But the reality is, I’ll probably still be here next week in exactly the same situation, wondering if I can afford enough food for
the week. Prove me wrong. And I’ll let you know.