By Philip Mawhinney
I’ve just watched the BBC’s Skint: Debt Special, which features some of the trials and tribulations of the infectiously upbeat Vernon Burgess of Birmingham. With a history of mental health issues, he survives on various benefits, including incapacity benefit. Several things struck me whilst watching.
Firstly, Vernon’s good will and positive outlook are undeniable. With four-figure debts to be paid whilst receiving a measly benefit, he never really complains and indeed takes to the street to sell the Big Issue with an admirably grateful and energetic spirit. He takes up the task of going into business with his bathroom-installing friend Russ with real determination and willingness to work. If anyone had the right to complain, be bitter or, frankly, do nothing, I’d say Vernon might be him.
Having found myself cheering him on through my monitor screen, I then felt moments of frustration and disappointment with him. Having had a meeting with a debt advisor, who gives him some cautious but helpful advice, he then goes out and immediately orders a guitar from a catalogue, with precious little thought for the debt it would bring. Though he does view this purchase as an investment (busking), it aroused in me an all-too-familiar sense of ominous tragedy, much like watching an episode of Fraiser. But who am I to deny what is clearly a source of joy to Vernon in an otherwise materially sparse life.
Another positive thing that struck me whilst watching was the random kindness of people who had seen Vernon on the previous instalment of his life on the BBC. People had sent him various things, including a CD player and the more personal gift of an Easter egg. This simple good will was not lost on him. One of the more comforting moments was when, at a moment of true financial despair, a supermarket delivery van pulls up to the house to deliver its goods, paid for by another benevolent stranger.
Despite these moments of positivity from Vernon and others around him, the seriousness of debt comes through clearly. With barely the means to get by in sparse conditions, four-figure debts are not likely to be paid off. When Vernon randomly receives a letter informing of the £5,000 debt he owes, having been overpaid by social security, he can easily be forgiven for swearing, though he apologises. This reality of unexpected, confusing, massive debt is undoubtedly a reality for many and I’m sure not all would have the natural positivity Vernon has to deal with it. Indeed, as a window into just one insecure and stretched life on benefits where the shadow of bailiffs is ever-present, it would cause me to rethink any latent assumptions about people on benefits and maybe even to challenge such a system that, in some ways, gives so little yet demands so much.
Vernon Burgess is a charismatic character with a visible presence, yet there are many thousands of people like him whose voices are not heard. The Community Links Need not Greed Campaign works to help people make the transition into formal work, gradually come-off benefits and at the same time not be thrown further into poverty. Find out more at www.neednotgreed.org.uk
