‘Governments understand there’s a problem with poverty – they’re just too scared to solve it’

Big Issue readers react to articles on poverty, housing and dogs.

Stuck in stagnation

John Bird feels governments don’t accept there’s a problem with poverty. But maybe they do – and are just too scared to confront the difficulties solutions require. For instance, fear that a wealth tax will unleash the fury of the right-wing press; that the City will force government debt into orbit. It’s easier just to keep paying to maintain people in poverty while nibbling at the edges – VAT on private school fees; slightly higher council tax.

Any politician radical enough to propose such measures risks being labelled mad, bad and dangerous. And dumped into oblivion. So, are we stuck? After WWII, Keynes overturned the financial orthodoxy and brought about a major improvement in people’s lives. Where is the financial brain to respond to the current orthodoxy that has only brought stagnation? The City and Wall Street have found many financial wheezes for making money: isn’t there someone who will use these skills for public benefit and break the fear barrier for politicians?

John Bishop

Tutu true

It’s very strange that a Labour Party government hasn’t listened to Big Issue or anything they say about the roots of poverty. I’ve always liked the Desmond Tutu quote, “There comes a point where we shouldn’t just stop pulling people out of the river but should go upstream and find out why they are falling in”. Prime minister, please take note!

Phil Ryan, Facebook

Cut above 

I’ve made a collage of various images from Issue 1718, unintentionally entering the Kids’ challenge. It has images associated with home and childhood mainly, but I wasn’t necessarily aiming for a theme so I guess it is really just a snapshot of what that issue was about – creativity and expression from anyone and for everyone – especially children or those who feel isolated.

Thank you so much for what you do for vendors and readers. I read the Big Issue fairly regularly and it is a wonderful mixture of honesty and creativity which is hard to find nowadays.

I hope you like the collage 😀

Alice O’Donovan

Bricked in

Issue 1717 reported that brick deliveries have dropped by 20% in two years, and related this to the house building target; the GMB secretary was also quoted, referring to bricklaying apprenticeships. Why is there such an emphasis on using bricks to build houses when there are: a) lots of other materials and ways of building and, (b) there are many existing buildings that can be renovated and re-used, and which will not require a lot of bricks. Less brick building, more thought and innovation.

Peter Cole, Northumberland  

Read more:

• Was the child poverty strategy worth the wait?
• No more sticking plasters when it comes to ending poverty 
• The only way forward is to split the poverty atom

Hold on to hope

These feel like strange and frightening times. Spending on armaments is sky high. Money is being taken from things that ordinary people need – decent housing, healthcare, education, clean water – and put into the pockets of the super rich. People who feel compelled to take direct action are branded terrorists. Peace marches are branded hate marches. 

People struggle to pay their bills while energy and water companies continue to profit. Vulture capitalists demand debt repayments from countries that cannot afford to pay, so for instance Ethiopia may end up spending more on debt repayments than on healthcare. I understand why many feel overwhelmed and want to switch off or blame easy targets who are not the ones causing the problems.

Kate Taylor 

Responses to: Vote dog!

When we surprised vendor Andy Sanguy with the cover featuring his dog Lucky Charm, he told us, “I’ve got tears in my eyes.” His reaction moved many:

This is so beautiful 

mybestfriendstory, Instagram

Looks great!!

@jadablanco, Instagram

That’s amazing ♥♥🐾🐾 

tracyburns8576, Instagram

Big respect 🫡♥

madsailorlondon, Instagram

Absolutely amazing man he is, and Charm of course. They both light everyone’s day. I work by where he stands so see him daily. ♥

cllyc1990, Instagram

�O�O�O�O�O

Katiecaico, Instagram

Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us more. 

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