BBC Spotlight - Poverty in Northern Ireland

Declan Lawn investigates poverty in Northern Ireland and asks what impact welfare reform will have on those relying on benefits.
Enjoy, comment and subscribe. :)

[@paulawhite2546]

Kudos to this reporter for doing this piece. My heart hurts for the poor the world over. Hard to pull yourself up by bootstraps when you have no boots.

[@ohmeowzer1]

I hope things get better for Jackie and her kids,they seem like such a nice family.she raised her children to be nice and they all love each other .

[@nunya2954]

Christmas at 800 pounds? That was more important than not being in debt. People are so mixed up. Sorry, but that is just plain stupid, and only requires about 3rd grade math to let you know just how big a long term mistake you would be making

[@wcstevens7]

Nun Ya ..Borrowing a sum like that when you live on welfare is totally irresponsible.

[@Lee-nh5bb]

By the way, would you like me to tell Ed that Nun Ya called?

[@ashleybosvik3031]

I was thinking the very same thing.

[@pacificrules]

14:30... why did she allocate her "Christmas" shopping? No wonder they're on poverty. She's financially irresponsible and needs to reform her overall budget plan.

[@yellowbird5411]

I have been "poor" most of my life. I have a good education, still work into my late 60's, but something is very obvious to me. In my work I meet many well-to-do people. Money does not guarantee them happiness or health, and I meet many miserable people who are sitting on a lot of money and who live in amazing homes, with amazing cars. On the other hand, I meet many who are living a very poor life, on disability, and who cannot work even though they want to. Even with food stamps and subsidies, they struggle each month by the time they pay their co-pays, transportation, medical supplies that are not covered, and medications. Some of these folks are actually happier than the other group, as they are grateful for what they have. They will tell you spontaneously how they take nothing for granted, and how good it feels that someone brought them a pizza or something. Something in becoming well-off can make us feel we are entitled, and we lose our gratitude. With gratitude, we have value. When we don't, there is little value in anything. That is what I have observed, and experienced.

[@Candy-ji1sr]

Yes, I'm sure they are happier. Have a guaranteed check, medical care. Bring on the Soylent Green.....

[@lburns7952]

I can see your point. But, I'd rather be depressed in a mansion not worrying how to maintain basic necessities like heat and electricity or wondering how I will eat tomorrow. Being able to go to the doctor when sick instead of suffering because you can't afford it.

[@fauxmanchu8094]

elle415 Ditto.

[@CDN1975]

Well said. One of my co-workers constantly talks about how much money her and her husband have. She is one of the most miserable and angriest humans I have ever known.

[@shivakat2297]

Most people might agree but circumstances can and do alter life choices therefore not able to better themselves.

[@NUBIANS2009]

What was missing in this documentary was FATHERS.

[@ms.hotdoglegs614]

Yes, fathers should not leave high and dry. It is unfair to their partner, but most importantly their children. However, us women need to equip ourselves with an education and Plan B in case of situations like this.

[@lauraritson1723]

Just like mine 😢

[@lauraritson1723]

Went to the shop, never came back

[@Chartoise]

Why do you think some fathers leave their families?

[@kirasussane1556]

@@ms.hotdoglegs614 I agree sadly without college is almost impossible to get a well pay job.

[@calirose8617]

Can't even watch this. If you have house with stove, fridge, washer machine, phone, medical you are not poor or living in poverty.

[@ms.hotdoglegs614]

Right, the mom has a check coming in on Friday; not exactly poverty more like stretching your dollar.

[@bigma8568]

There are lots of things I cannot afford. I have at times hardly any food in my cupboards. But I have always worked. That's life. Often it isn't easy, but I have always dealt with it. I do feel for this woman as I do with anyone who struggles.

[@zenblack476]

I had to get food parcels from thriving life when was starting out in life I wouldn’t be here without them thanks I donate food every time I go shopping

[@elizabethf1591]

No one lives on the lap of luxury on benefits .

[@wcstevens7]

Elizabeth F ..Benefits are a " safety net " nothing more. Sad, but true.

[@nunyabuisness7552]

Luxury is a relative term just like "cleanliness". Everyone has their own levels in which they are content to live life. An enormous number of people are "content" living a life on benefits and intentionally create more children to maintain the benefit lifestyle. I've had many of those types of tenants. Others do fall into a "trap", but all of them that I personally saw, that started sacrificing all they could to save, made excellent financial decisions did escape poverty and benefits! Others didn't put forth the effort.

[@Chartoise]

Nor should they... Not working, means no luxery. You can actually be glad you get food. For free... Somebody else tills the fields to give it to you.

[@Chartoise]

@Hilly Hilly If they choose to so... It's none of my business.

[@happycook6737]

These people live in luxury on benefits. Have a look at the poor in developing countries!!!

[@sallyclay1974]

This seems to be an increasing problem all over the world. In the US, when folks get welfare, it's barely enough to exist on.

[@duaneelliott5194]

Unless your a corporation of course lol

[@lynndutt2219]

My God what has happened to this world? It was never meant to be like this.

[@fidgetssailing4725]

liberals and corrupt politicians

[@geovani8028]

Lynn Dult. It's called greed, Lynn. What did you pay for your house? Can you imagine what you can sell it for today? Greed. Not you but everyone in the world. Americans watch kadashians and try to emunilate them and are willing to pay five hundred for jeans Why? All over the same thing is going in you are worth what you spend in yourself. How this happened? Good question. Levi's jeans we're like 12.00 a pair then KalvinKlien came out with 30.00 jeans and the fashion world probally said something like " these assholes will spend anything to show off a name" the industry became high priced junk with names showing. Everything the insecure consimer desires...that's just my opinion. Probally wrong but who cares?

[@gwendiffenbacher1695]

Wrong: get what you can while you can. Because what is coming next is hell.

[@stephanblack4558]

The country opened its boarders that's what happened.

[@TOMHDGAMING-yk1dv]

Yet people in northern Ireland still want to remain in the uk

[@Counterbalance_]

How sad it still takes place in developed countries.

[@samdasilva1914]

Supposing Jackie could find part time work, both her kids are of the age of being in full time school hours, so she could work say from 9 to 3pm she clearly had family friends around her as she borrows money from them, the kids also have a father and thereby have his side if the family to help out. So she would be 90 pounds a week better off working so why is she not at least looking for work? Did I hear right she took out an 800 pound loan for presents? I really feel for her situation but she also needs to take some personal responsibility, what is the father contributing for his kids?

[@TheSaltySiren]

How do you know the father is in the picture? He may even be deceased. Many times the fathers leave and want nothing to do with the kids, so Mom is the one who raises them and pays for everything. It’s a sad world we all live in. 😢

[@samdasilva1914]

@@TheSaltySiren I am not disagreeing with you, everything you say is true. However if she knows vejo the father is (or fathers are) and they are not dead, surely they should be paying child support? I think it is disgusting in the UK that so many fathers get to walk away from their financial responsibilities in the UK.

[@Shawnne01]

It's the same here in the US. If you try to go back to work, you end up losing benefits and end up with less than while on benefits.

[@suzrachel9036]

Same in Canada 😕

[@kathleendwyer117]

Why don't the grandparents help? The gov't should go after the father of the children and make them all pay.

[@demarcos69]

First time I've seen someone on Benefits who's home is Nice and Tidy and clean and no pets.

[@briankelly85]

they need to teach people in school from an early age how to handle money...

[@michaelneel4828]

You can't handle money if you don't have any IDIOT !!!

[@rosy1972song]

I do agree. Learn to budget what you have, cook from scratch, go to your grandma whenever you need to learn how to do household chores.

[@FirstPeterr]

@@michaelneel4828 Its still good to know how to budget no matter where you are in social economic means.

[@sandrafinbar]

And how to cook cheap, nourishing meals, so they don't buy packaged, frozen or ready meals.

[@mickharrison9004]

That's sht, how about if you never have much, that's useless i was sadly for a while on universal credit was 73 a week, that was 10 a day to pay everything, which obviously couldn't be done, in a year I ended up owing the gas and electric two and half thousand pound even though I gave them both 10 pound a week, which only left me just over 50 for everything else, i couldn't make a payment to water company so owed them lots, without food banks I'd of starved, it's a ridiculous amount of money even though the tory scum count it as a safety net.

[@byfaroffthebest]

24 mins into the show....the lady is cooking nuggets and canned? spaghetti....she is home all day...can she not prepare a few veggies and real spaghetti from scratch? this is so unhealthy and a sure sign of laziness

[@galegrazutis185]

Absolutely agree

[@DiscipleSteven]

Yeah that is true. Overall, it would likely be a little cheaper or you would be able to make a lot more for the same price.

[@5thdimensionliving727]

I completely agree. It’s pure laziness which is inexcusable..even canned vegetables and beans would be a lot more healthier…cooking lentils and pasta from scratch is so much healthier for those children..I would always advise following a healthy plant based diet if meat is unaffordable..you can do so many things with soya chunks/mince which will give the proteins needed..something has gone desperately wrong in our education system with healthy eating, exercise and money management skills not being part of the core curriculum with poor parents like Jackie struggling with whatever she knows best..very tragic..if she’s not working, she could be using that time to research healthy/frugal/plant based recipes 👍 to her family fit and strong for their futures 🙏

[@thomashunt6123]

And your comment is a sure sign of judgement. May it happen to you! You have no idea what another person has gone through. You don't know how she has to spend her money. What a horrid person you clearly are! Expect to be the first pushed out of the liferaft. You disgust me.

[@jazzybleedo2770]

It's not a contest of whose poverty is the most dramatic or depressing or valid. When you're not sure you'll have a roof over your head or that you can feed your children, you count. A lot of poor people in the west are working or were working prior, and they may have stuff from when they were employed, like a car or washing machine. But once the income is gone or the benefits aren't enough, having a washing machine doesn't mean you can pay the rent or put food on the table.

[@Thyalwaysseek]

Everything is always a competition these days, people lack compassion and have no empathy for others who are struggling.

[@katerubin7693]

How about taking Laundry in to make money?? If you have washer etc & no job make some money honey!! Get that washer going!!!

[@covenawhite4855]

@@katerubin7693 How will she find customers?? Who is paying to get their laundry done when everyone has a washing machine.

[@michaelsweeney4547]

I don't agree that meat and fish should be criteria. Lentils and rice would be cheaper and healthier.

[@shazanakhan9807]

She can get child maintenance from ex husband. Why would u have a second child with same guy if ur facing problems with him?

[@chontaineabraham2129]

You are judging her based on her current situation.

[@nunyabuisness7552]

@@chontaineabraham2129 --- Everyone on benefits should be "JUDGED" fairly on how they came to their situation. Anyone asking to receive something they haven't earned should be scrutinized by everyone on the hook for giving them anything. That means every taxpayer has every right to JUDGE them and have their own opinion. Decisions have consequences be it good or bad. Bad decisions should not be rewarded! People do NOT deserve the benefit of doubt when they're asking for a hand out by taxpayers! They should be scrutinized and judged and face consequences if they make poor decisions time and time again. Failing to provide for children you chose to give birth should be a criminal offense and not be rewarded with money! Consequences for not paying for you own kids should be anything from voluntary sterilization, jail time, children placed with someone that can provide, etc. Sound draconian? Draconian is the current system that gives financial rewards for "WILLFULLY and CONTUMACIOUSLY" producing life that you cannot afford when there are multiple options to NOT create the life and/or give that life a better upbringing from someone who will support them!

[@nunyabuisness7552]

@m. --- Had you read and comprehended my entire post you'd know your question is moot. I'll answer your question with a question. If putting more children into the system is bad would it be better if we put no children into the system ever? Currently parents can be held criminally responsible for not providing for children. My statement exposes that these parents are not being prosecuted because they are being bailed out by taxpayers. If less taxpayer money causes more parents to fail to provide and be prosecuted then more money can prevent any child from ever going into the system! LUNACY! Maybe we should do the same for bank robbers and not prosecute them because taxpayers will refund the losses!

[@nunyabuisness7552]

@m. --- You are now changing the narrative because I proved it's hypocritical. Nature is not part of this argument but since you brought it up let's not be hypocritical and use it in all aspects equally. Nature is survival of the fittest, steal from others, rape the females if necessary, kill other competitive males, etc. Your argument of nature was a weak attempt to change the topic! Your opinion requires hypocrisy because you claim it's acceptable to neglect the needs of your child and not be criminally charged as long as society is forced to pay for what you won't provide but it's not okay to contumaciously cause financial damage in other ways which society is forced pay for it and will be criminally charged. When people do not have an option it's always arguable that society might need to collectively help solve the problem but when a person does have choices and intentionally chooses to cost society money it should be punishable. Name for me any other way an individual can force the public to pay for something they chose to do and not be held in contempt in one way or another? Now I will agree with you on education but the rest has a proven history of promoting more of the same. As the saying goes-"If you want more of something fund it and if you want less of something don't fund it". Just like Isaac Newton proved the law of gravity so has the welfare/benefit system proven the more spent on this epidemic the worse it becomes! I think most people would agree that first time parents could find themselves severely under prepared for all the trials, costs and turmoil to their lives and not have any issue with financially helping them but most people do resent it when they double and triple their same mistake and expect taxpayers to bail them out and them not be held accountable!

[@covenawhite4855]

@@nunyabuisness7552 What about people who get fired from their job.

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

Yes...it is possible to have your life go completely to hell over a lack of $20 and no where to get it from because you are already THAT close to the edge.

[@angelinegeorge275]

Why take in refugees when the british people are suffering?

[@gwendiffenbacher1695]

You answered your own question.

[@chadsimmons6347]

The immigrants get more than the rest, never have paid a dime in taxes

[@sewing2165]

Chad Simmons Chad you and the others are selfish and stupid. Do you have any idea of the horrors that refugees go through? Funds set aside for refugees are completely different. Blaming refugees is so sickening you heartless idiot.

[@mickharrison9004]

I remember having to go on benefits for a few months over 10 years ago, then had to go on it a year ago and astonishingly it was the same amount around 70 odd pound, imagine how much food and other things had gone up.

[@sallyclay1974]

Poverty is the same all over. You rob Peter to pay paul, and never get out of depending on the system.

[@wcstevens7]

Sally Clay ..I have been rich, and I have been poor, rich is better. BUT . Being poor concentrates the mind and makes you aware that the difference between a little money, and no money is huge.

[@mrjajay1854]

I am from Africa, after watching the docu, i pinch myself and say hey ''Y'all dont know what is the true meaning of Poor or Poverty'' a home with gas cooker,hot shower system, tv set, electricity,running water,refridgerator,washing machine, you still called poor home, hahahahahahahahaha, here we called that a rich man home

[@Happypowerup]

I love your reply

[@mrjajay1854]

partially i agree with you but guess what? we are working now and trying to take our place back, as being the first civilized people on earth, if only you western imperialists and opportunists will allow us to be...

[@Remembering-rq6si]

Barbara Jefferson Again the problem is genetic. Ja Jay - If the African gene pool was truly equal to the genetic permutations of British stock, why have we never been under YOUR "imperialistic" control? The idea is about as absurd as Nigeria building skyscrapers or Kenya landing a man on the moon. Did you folks ever get around to inventing the wheel without relying on the intellectual charity of others?

[@mrjajay1854]

really dude?? don't you know that numbers of skyscrappers in Africa today is twice that of all europe?? landing in moon?? for what purpose i may ask? ...inventing?? please ask the romans and greek about the technology stolen from africa....and about your genetic superiority, may i remind you that your fuhrer is dead in 1945

[@Remembering-rq6si]

Mr Ja Jay If believing this enhances your personal ego, then continue to live in your world of delusion. Continue to comment and perhaps I shall stick around for some comic relief.

[@ianroelands2260]

Hi all, I live in Holland and just 10 minutes up the road we have the same food banks. I think its all over the eu and the estates continue to be targeted. The counsiles, or, are holding back for the needy, or are not getting enough subsidies...or are not taking care of there own?

[@mickharrison9004]

Exactly rite Freind, central government is holding on to a lot of the money these days, and theyv decided that there will be poverty for a lot of people, God help people in years to come when there's even less work because of robots, it's said in 30 years they will do and automated jobs and there will be 40 percent less jobs, what will scum elites do then.

[@jackyblue67same10]

My heart really goes out to the families there .I'm in america & have a pantry full of food but I fell so guilty eating it knowing that children in other countries r going hungry .I allow no waste of food in my home none at all if I have leftovers & we don't eat them all the next day then I give them to the animals never ever in the trash to me that would be a sin cause animals have to eat too.If I ever got alot of money I'd go to places like this & help everybody I could by paying their light bills buying them a bunch of food or just anything I could do .God Bless All & peace to the world .

[@fauxmanchu8094]

Jackyblue67 Same You are wonderful, very compassionate to animals. If only others were like you.

[@geovani8028]

Hey, plenty of people in the states are hungry. Where did you get the idea that whatever.

[@nnyv0040]

Please don't be ignorant. There are millions of Americans living in poverty. America is a third world country wearing a Gucci belt. You should donate to food banks in your own country if your pantry is that full. You can search Poverty in America in KZbin and there are hundreds of documentaries of families and singles living below the breadline, on foods stamps, etb cards, food banks, etc.

[@romella_karmey]

Kids have console and playstation games and complaints about not having the latest computer games. WTH first world problems! Is that even POVERTY lol

[@FirstPeterr]

Yup...the mom maked dumb decisions.

[@socalsir]

Why is this bedroom tax not struck down already? I don't hear anyone who supports it. If it isn't done away with Scotland may very well leave the UK and sure enough the Irish and Welsh may follow suit. Penny wise and Pound foolish in Westminister.

[@galegrazutis185]

I live in Australia and when K heard about the bedroom tax l though what genius thought of that! We should have it here why on earth should people live in accommodation subscized or payed for by the tax payers vbut have extra bedrooms outrageous 😠 especially when waiting lists are ridiculously so long they always can move to something smaller if they can't pay

[@deborahtaylor2610]

I was in this situation when my kids were growing up can relate but i was fortunate to get back into work and things worked out for the better, was still tough but financially head was above water, loans and credit cards were the dangers, avoid at all costs.

[@Skiskiski]

"Borrow for Christmas". Don't do that to be homeless.

[@yakkyuu12]

AT 19:05 he talks about being better off at part time,BUT he NEVER REALLY calculates HOW much help she would get in tax credits AND WHEN would she REALLY GET this "so called tax credit money"!! Her bills ARE NOT going to WAIT for tax credit money to come in! The tax credits are NOT even calculated by by him ---- BECAUSE -- he DOESN'T KNOW how much she would get AND if it would help ENOUGH, to get her a CHANCE to SAVE and build EVEN an emergency fund!!

[@jamestoni]

This shouldn't be happening in the uk in this day and age.

[@Stillcarp]

I was born on 16/2/1973 and over the years nothing an I mean nothing has changed. I have looked at all comments on this and I can not believe what a lot of these people have put in there comments. You have said This shouldn't be happening in the uk in this day and age, I hate to say this but it has always bean happing and it will always happen. When I was growing up I live on jam sandwiches the same as my sister , We had six inch's of ice on the inside of the window's in the winter, at the aged of five I was lifting eggs at 50p a day, at aged ten I was also working to lifting potato's and sort them and made 25 pound a week in 1983 and from 1983 until 1989 when I leaved school. I was on ytp as a mechanic for a year and got the top result in the exams of the uk and still lifting eggs and potato's. The next year I got a job in the braid soft drinks as a fitter and I was more than good and what I mean three years on my own with one breakdown a electric motor burned out and send everyone to have tea break five minutes early and replace that haft ton motor in five minutes by hand. When I said thee years, I was sacked because of policies in the workplace. Then I work in meat plant for three months at 50 a week an I left to work in Okane's chicken factory and I got 220 a week.and this Christmas I have no job for ten years.

[@gwendiffenbacher1695]

@@Stillcarp: well hopefully you have taught your children well. My oldest wants to join the military, and you better believe I am encouraging her.

[@glenatkinson7732]

+Bruce Burns I will temper my comments due to my love of Australia and Australians....I'm from Belfast stock but raised in Canada. Unemployment was at over 30% throughout 70s and 80s. Throw religious discrimination into the mix, street violence etc there wasn't much going on. Plenty tried to get to Australia, Canada, USA for a better life but many turned away. Plenty of work shy types but really fuck all work in Belfast after the shipyards closed and you weren't working making airplanes unless you were Protestant

[@samdasilva1914]

Here we go again with the food, she does not work, for what she spends on chicken nuggets etc she coul make and freeze healthier meals, tinned spaghetti and mashed potatoes they don't need both, most veg you can buy cheaply cook and freeze, apples cheap etc it is a myth that needs to be exploded that you can't eat healthy on a budget. However the rising costs of utility bills is something the government needs to address for both people like Jackie and also low income working people and pensioners.

[@padmasalam5267]

Jackie keeps a neat house. She is very domesticated. I can see she is trying, unlike some less privileged folks. I am sincerely rooting for her!! 🥂🍺 Cheers and beers mates!

[@שולמיתרוש]

You all the poverty striken people?? That you can say they are not neat and sofisticated?? A little antisemitic stereotyping are we???🤨

[@louiseanderson4653]

And yet immigration still happens, starving your own, sick

[@jezebel-uh4qr]

warning, lots of mean comments and cold hearted people with no understanding of poverty , below....

[@becky3086]

She lives in a really nice house. We live in a pretty sad house here in the US, we don't have nearly as nice stuff, we heat with space heaters, it is always too hot in the summer (Georgia) but we both work and manage to stay off welfare even though we don't have much.

[@helfulvids]

Wish everyone could be as responsible like yourself.

[@francesvansiclen1444]

Rebecca= you really don't need much to be happy- truly !

[@yoyoholck]

its a council house

[@agneslaufer9579]

As long as the fridge is full with food people are not poor. Make good choices in life, minimalism helps me a lot.

[@sammycircle]

Better question is ' Where was Britain with aid for N.Ireland?" You Know?, that place the Loyalist defended all those years.

[@tomburns6521]

QUIT having kids--everyone!!! Good grief.....

[@mohammedzulk8485]

I can’t understand how the benefit system is willing to pay hotels and bed breakfast business huge amounts of money rather than give that money to the homeless so they can get out of poverty. With the same money they could rent a private room AND HAVE MONEY LEFT OVER.

[@sallyclay1974]

Yes Beth, I worked all my life. I retired in 2006, and worked in retail for May Co. I'm on a fixed income, and went through my profit sharing in about 8 yrs. It's rough now, for so many.

[@melisadeyn7920]

Where the hell is the father of Becky's children?

[@yoyoholck]

probably doing the same thing my father did. just giving a fuck about himself

[@FirstPeterr]

Stop making babies with bad boys.

[@reesethealpaca4790]

Wow the comments here are disturbing, why does nobody have compassion

[@johngarvey5370]

+Becky Ward That's what the lack of a basic IQ can do to you.

[@painetcirque5695]

+Becky Ward True, unfortunately. I was afraid to read the comments. Some are funny, I guess including those with little compassion. It must be a sort of cheap victory over the poor, poorer and the poorest, as long as it life to many is a dog eat dog logic and so those with little close to nothing emotional wealth cannot but enjoy hunting for the vulnerable ones. As if those who are already living misery such as the one depicted in this video wouldn't suffer enough of humiliation and social blame to have them even more humiliated around this documentary. It's a cheap and rotten victory over the most vulnerable and that makes them rotten inside and weak people. To such dirty people who love to humiliate the vulnerable people I deny any compassion whatsoever. And I don't tolerate them at all.

[@atomicfairy9588]

+Becky Ward In real life they probably do but this is the internet were people take on a whole new persona.Keyboard warriors are everywhere.

[@Candy-ji1sr]

Because we work for a living. Don't breed unless we can afford to and have to give our hard earned money to scroungers. That's why!

[@nunyabuisness7552]

I see this everyday with my tenants. Very few do I have compassion. She shows you what she wants to show you and nothing more. As a landlord you see the day to day activities and how they live their lives. It's absolutely disgusting the financial reward given to people who have kids instead of charging them with child neglect for not providing for the child themselves. For decades I've been a landlord and of all those I see on benefits I'd estimate 40% deserve short term help but due to laziness make it a lifestyle. Only 20% need long term help but not nearly as much as their getting and only about 5% truly need 100% of their life paid for by taxpayers. That leaves 60% minimum that never should've had any benefits for any length of time at all. Rewarding them with more money for each child was the worst idea ever! So many intentionally have more kids for that very purpose! They are so bold as to tell me that regularly!

[@ursalanova1481]

I can only assume that things are worse now because of Covid 19. I'm Irish and every time l hear, Ireland is poverty striken, it saddens me. We hear in America are in bad shape too these days. God please help us all!

[@gailcarey3597]

Amen!

[@kelli-jocogar7509]

Some of the experts on this show are basically saying that because one is poor one can't make good financial decisions. Some don't, but there are many that do live within their means by strict budgeting. Been there and done that.

[@shelbyurich9708]

It isn't fair to the children to have them when you cant financially take care of them. How sad and stressful for them. Adults shouldn't be so selfish and love ISN'T enough when it comes to providing for children. And hold these fathers accountable. They should not get a free ride. Jackie's kids aren't toddlers, she could work if she chose to do so. How wonderful to set a better example and break the benefits circle so her kids wont make the same bad decisions.

[@lorimav]

This is the reason the Catholic Church histirically did not allow ususary. At the very least those payday loans should be made illegal. Also divorce is a big reason for poverty. Parents don't be selfish and try to get along for the children's sake.

[@covenawhite4855]

Well two people being miserable with each other is good financially because paying for food, gas, and mortgage is cheaper for one house but not mentally.

[@HappyQuailsLC]

Do they not ask whether it is feasible to have children at all, much less multiple children who are then stuck in poverty and welfare housing?

[@jimtom5011]

she was in a relationship that broke down, they had their own house and she worked full time. when her relationship ended her and her kids ended up homeless... did you even watch the video??

[@HappyQuailsLC]

+josephcrsn Sorry

[@HappyQuailsLC]

+Jim Tom Excuse me.

[@thornbird6768]

There is enough food and water for everyone in this world !! people should not be living like this in the UK .

[@suzrachel9036]

Michelle Rice it's because of immigration ... It's happening everywhere in the world.

[@csativa6469]

immigration? not only you are poor in real but in your brain too, shame on you.

[@lburns7952]

@@suzrachel9036 Really? You actually believe it's because of immigration?! Poverty 'everywhere in the world' is because of it? So, having kids you cannot feed by men who don't support them is not the problem? No personal responsibility? Stop. Just stop. ffs

[@covenawhite4855]

@@lburns7952 She had enough money for kids until her husband left

[@dustysgarden2254]

Poverty stricken people should be able to have access to an allotment under the scheme to help supplement their house hold food. Not sure how that would work but the powers to be could make something happen. The council should plant fruit trees and edible herbs, in the streets/ parks and employe people on that street to look after them, Net them from critters, prune them, for the fruits to be shared up and down that street or that block. Foraging should be encouraged like it was in the times gone past. Information booklets about foraged food and how to use what you find given to all on benefits, when they pick up food bank parcels. Now I know this WILL NOT fix any problems, but its something to help bring in fresh produce and to feel as though you are trying no matter what.

[@mickharrison9004]

How crazy that lady with her young children having to leave the decent home they had, fkn disgusting, what chance have kids got to learn and have a future in this chaos.

[@turbosnail159]

All that glitters isnt gold they may get houses but who wants 2 live in a housing estate controlled by thugs

[@cherylharewood2549]

@Rebecca Whitford, you only see that one home. A child in the UK died from mold infestation. THE CHILD WAS LIVING IN A COUNCIL HOME. YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN THE CONDITION OF THE HOME. In the UK some of the council houses are in very bad condition Mold infestation is a problem in the UK. YOU SHOULD SEE BIRMINGHAM , UK. Homes all over the world have problems. Like the U.S the UK, has major problems with government houses. This is what we called housing project. Like New York there are just disgusting. Rebecca, you don't know anything about the UK. You should see the new apartment that were built in New York.

[@10-OSwords]

"Every story is different"..."her story is FAR from unique"...great writing.

[@andicastro1203]

All that land.Small gardens would help, chickens etc. They are packed in those homes like sardines.

[@gailmautone3522]

It's always people that have money talk about this,but never talk to the people that are affected!

[@schatzeeone6230]

Benefits (Welfare in the US) were designed to be a temporary solution until you get a job and get back on your feet. They were never meant to be a permanent way of life. Personally, I think it should be set up like the unemployment system in the States. You can’t get anything unless you’ve paid in to the system, and you’re only eligible for a set amount of time. That would at least force people to think twice before having more kids they can’t feed or not taking a job because it isn’t their dream vocation or they think it’s somehow beneath them.

[@ratso4444]

Her situation doesn’t look like poverty to me. It looks like a free ride.

[@lburns7952]

That's the home of a person in 'poverty' ?! Struggling yes, but not poverty.

[@prettyastounding7924]

Where is the Catholic Church that with all of their money. Since they don’t allow birth control, why are they allowing their faithful to starve?

[@rowanspiritwalker6667]

Northern Ireland is separate from the Irish Republic and part of the United Kingdom. It is also Protestant by majority. Birth control is free via the National Health System for those who want it.

[@benjjrgraham6842]

so where is the father of jackie's children? child support?

[@suzrachel9036]

BenjJr Graham out drinking I suppose like the rest of the bastards !

[@eugeniasyro7315]

Nowhere to be found. It's what they do. LOSERS!

[@RUserious55]

This lady is in an unfortunate position for sure. However there are certain advantages to every situation. She has a lot of time to give to her kids. She should be educating them at home. Making sure that they can read and write properly. Taking them to the library EVERY day showing them that there is a wider world out there and that with education they can go out and explore it. Good grades, university, better paying jobs for her children. Maybe too late for her BUT not too late for her children! Unless the only thing they learn is to copy their mother! EDUCATION, EDUCATION! I have lived in council homes since 10 years of age, on the poorest most dispossessed estates in inner London. I loved books and self educated myself about money and now I think globally and got myself out of poverty. My six year old can do algebra, but only because I spend time with her forcing her to learn! Whatever our circumstances EDUCATION is a way.

[@eugeniasyro7315]

Home schooled children are not socialized. They are schooled often times by unqualified parents. Not a good idea.

[@aragornsargonath6793]

This video is why I I'm not a believer in the exchanging time for money. I really, really wish that people who are this model can start mimicking wealthy individuals so that they can get out of the poverty trap so that they can get out of poverty.

[@janetsides901]

Why doesn't she work? Or did I miss that?

[@susanoncloudnine3152]

The childcare issue, but her kids are older I don't understand why she can't qork while they're in school.

[@galegrazutis185]

@@susanoncloudnine3152 could not possibly agree more pure laziness for not BV want her benefits cu

[@noelharris5914]

solution is obvious: immediately cut oversea's aide by 500,000,000 UK pounds...next year cut it by 750,000,000...the year after:...1,000,000,000,000...and take care of your own citizens...

[@rosiethebear300]

...and not the banks and multinational corporation and the political right wing thugs supporting them!

[@shfullait]

YEAH! And let countries that purchase goods that are manufactured in our country suffer with crippling economies, while our own manufacturing industries sink further into non-existence. Also break good relations with countries which may be able to provide us with essential raw materials which support our ability to survive, and to provide tactical support in military operations. That is such a great, well thought out idea!!!!!

[@rosiethebear300]

shfullait its not the way it works.

[@shfullait]

rosiethebear300 Who do you assume is going to buy our goods moving into the future? Or sell us their goods like produce and grain when these countries begin moving from 3rd to 2nd or 2nd to 1st world countries? The reason governments help other countries is not some humanitarian thing, as much as they would like you to believe it is, it is to set up good, tactical relations when it comes to military and trade.

[@gwendiffenbacher1695]

@@shfullait: totally agree. Like good tactical relations with Iran, China, Iraq, Libya, and Pakistan. How's that been working out.

[@ogrebattle22763]

Makes me wonder what the hell beneficial came out of TGFA....

[@victoriaemerson54]

Fact of the matter is is they don't give a f*** they could do better but they don't

[@Andy-hk4wn]

Interesting because the mom has lost her relationship with husband, the state has to pay all the expenses)

[@happycook6737]

And mom wastes money. Who spends 800pounds on Xmas gifts? And gives kid cash for crap foods of coke and crisps? Mom, "I'm so poor" wah, wah, wah. Drop that Mom into a developing country, when her benefits are cut off she will work. Entitlement, plain and simple

[@hapennyproductions3800]

I looked up is Ireland poor, 1st on the list is northern Ireland, im so happy lol

[@mickharrison9004]

You'd really have to think before having kids in this place, too much misery, while we mainly have tory rats in power, there always going to squeeze the poor, and the thing is there's no need for it, think about it.

[@geraldineheath3989]

Good luck with the 2020 irradiation of child poverty...Bob Hawk a previous Australian prime minister attempted to do that in Australia....and failed....

[@JohnnyWitney]

Life choices, why is it that the Government always ends up with the responsibility of raising dead beat fathers children ? The mother should be made to name the father of these children, a DNA test then should be mandated to prove parentage. The Father should then have to pay child support for the children he has brought into the world. Its not the responsibility of hardworking taxpayers.

[@Thyalwaysseek]

Well until that time no child should go hungry or worry about homelessness, they are the real victims here.

[@karyannfontaine8757]

I am amazed at how robust and heavy most of the poor people on benefits appear. After school I went to work until retirement. I own a house and must save more than half my income to pay tax on my property. I do not eat as well as these people.

[@covenawhite4855]

Mac Donald's is cheaper than real food in America.

[@players555]

long live Nothern Ireland

[@gwendiffenbacher1695]

Curious to see what happens with them in the future once Brexit kicks in. Like will N. Ireland also leave.

[@TheSaltySiren]

This was excellent! The US is also having this same issue. I was better off going to school full time and not working. When I got my (kick arse) job, making good money, without benefits, and relying on my pay and insurance from my job, we were SIGNIFICANTLY worse off than we ever were on benefits. It’s a disgusting system that demands a proper reform.

[@mickharrison9004]

The elites have attacked pay over the years, specially here in uk they destroyed unions first, they have hardly any power now, so there's been no pay rises hardly in last 20 years, but there not daft they make sure bills go up every year, because a lot of them are shareholders.

[@lburns7952]

To have a washing machine ??? ffs

[@Dylanesque]

Washing Machine? When I was a single parent struggling to bring up two children, the DSS told me I didn't need a washing machine especially if I had a bath or a shower. I was told it was possible to hand wash all clothing in either amenity.

[@rowanspiritwalker6667]

I remember those days.

[@brendalancour9573]

I'm sure now in 2022 the poverty there is 10 fold I feel bad for all these families...

[@debbieframpton3857]

This does not make sense that Jackie takes all her money out on a Thursday night knowing that some bills are due on Friday and money will not be there so it's going to end up costing her more money for late fees. If she feels like she is struggling now how will she make up those late fees that just throws her further behind. Borrowing 800 to pay for Christmas I know a mother does not want her kids to be without Christmas but her children are old enough to understand if you don't have the money you don't have it a few small gifts is all they need. She is creating a lot of her own problems

[@eleanorsmith9706]

This mother struggling with these 2 kids alone is so common today. Where are these dads. The county needs to go after these men like they would if they were criminals. The fathers need to be put to work for the county ( the hardest jobs they can find), and at least 60% of his pay to go to the kids household. Invest some money into making these fathers pay part of what is needed, then the government might be able to help a little more. The dads moving along worried free. Give them something to worry about daily.

[@OneRedKansan41]

I wonder , are coupons available in Ireland?

[@CoolGuy-kz2ti]

Nope

[@wojciechpiosik302]

why do People rent whole life and then you have nothing left ....

[@kosoelwin2890]

better than our country myanmar

[@samben515]

In the south of uk even worse my rent is half my income plus bill and tax en the top the irony we tax payers support the Ponzi housing scheme in this country every one is hanger about things

[@inferno0020]

Just wondering. There was a economic boom in Ireland in the 2000s, but why was N. Ireland benefited by its neighbor?

[@emjackson2289]

You were all used to 100% x2 - now you are being told to share 75% of what you used to have . . . . .so grow up and share the money properly to make sure people aren't going hungry.

[@tommieweatherbyluster7779]

Step child is always the last to get anything

[@lynnappleyard5189]

Where is the father? He too has a responsibility??

[@kevirish37]

He lent her £800

[@helenamcauley3135]

Jackie needs to get a bit of motivation and make changes instead of waiting for things to drop at her feet. No ambition comes to mind!

[@frankmangan2113]

Poor little girl, Coke and Crisps is all she wants, if money was no object..heart breaking

[@inferno0020]

The reason why i asked is that I felt the UK was not very interested in investing Belfast and the Northern Ireland anymore (if my "interpretation" was right) and I am rather surprise if UK forbid the people from N. Ireland to do business with the Republic of Ireland, (or forbid the Irish entrepreneurs to invest in North Ireland)

[@joanmcnulty2221]

Excellent intervieer. I feel so sad that all that wee girl wanted was a tin of coke, crisps and a wee mixup...💔🌹🌟

[@wojciechpiosik302]

I think A lot of People cant manage their Money and they want to live The life they cant afford but yet with Easy loans and fake credit cards Money they spend money they dont have and wont be able to pay back

[@covenawhite4855]

People are getting fired from their job and having medical issues.

[@BlanceDevereaux]

This woman is not poor, for heaven's sake. She lives in a well-made all-brick home, close to all the amenities she needs. Her home is well decorated. Her kid is wearing new Adidas shoes. They have a gaming system with what looks like close to 50-75 games. Even if second hand, this costs a lot. The children look healthy and the mother is overweight. She has a good quality kitchen with fresh flowers in the house. She does not work and lives on tax payer money. This woman has struggles, for sure, but is most certainly not living in poverty.

[@bdhmonkey5862]

give a paddy a potatoe and he can t make a wuffle.

[@saraharold3670]

But seems to have done a good job with raising the children v sweet. Main problem is loan sharks

[@greigsanderson]

aaaaaaw, what a shame, the free gravy train has come to an end. Do what everyone else has to do. GET A FUCKING JOB.

[@elainebassett9553]

Idiot