Big Issue founder calls for fresh approach to poverty

Thursday, 11 October 2018 15:22

Lord Bird warns Manx politicians against handouts

The founder of the Big Issue is to call on Manx politicians to take a different view on tackling poverty.

John Bird was homeless as a young man, spending time 'in and out of prison' before launching the publication in 1991.

He was made a life peer in the House of Lords three years ago.

Tynwald’s Select Committee on Poverty was formed in April, amid fears of a growing crisis of unstable living and ‘sofa surfing’.

Lord Bird says those living vulnerably need 'hand-ups', not handouts.

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