10 Years Later: Revisiting Benefits Street – What’s Different Now?
It's been a decade since the premiere of the contentious documentary series, Benefits Street, which delved into the lives of James Turner Street residents in Birmingham. The series highlighted the claim that 95% of households in that area were not engaged in employment.
A decade has passed since the debut of Benefits Street on 6th January 2014, marking a significant milestone. The show garnered attention from 4.3 million viewers, yet it also sparked numerous complaints to Ofcom.
Criticism surrounded the portrayal of individuals on benefits and the depiction of criminal behaviour, drawing concerns from certain viewers regarding the negative representation showcased on the programme.
Despite facing criticism, several individuals who appeared in the series gained widespread recognition. Some even rose to celebrity status.
Dee Kelly, known as White Dee, skyrocketed to fame through the show, later participating in Celebrity Big Brother and making multiple appearances on television and chat shows.
Portrayed as a maternal presence on screen, she once revealed to the BBC that her sudden fame came as a tremendous surprise. She asserted that the programme’s creators had misled residents about its true nature.
However, the producers of the show maintained that it was a “fair and balanced observational documentary.”
Tom, a resident of James Turner Street for over ten years, was notably absent from the programme. Throughout the filming process, he was predominantly occupied with his work.
Reflecting on the programme, he recalled, “I have a vivid memory of it. At that time, I was working night shifts and deliberately stayed away from it all, which suited me perfectly.”
Expressing his observations, he remarked, “They interviewed my friend, a fellow resident, who also holds a job. Yet, they chose to exclude his part from the final edit.”
Tom, speaking to BBC Radio WM, expressed dissatisfaction with the programme produced by Love Productions, stating it did not fairly depict life in the neighbourhood. While acknowledging a strong sense of community, he noted that many residents tended to keep to themselves.
“I mainly stick to my routine of work and heading straight home,” he remarked.
Highlighting issues with litter and graffiti in the area, he commented, “It’s a concern. The place has a certain reputation, and honestly, if you take a look around, it’s not particularly pleasant. But personally, I haven’t faced any incidents, so, you know, it’s one of those things.”
Describing it as a council estate with typical associated traits, Tom implied an acceptance of the situation.
At the time, the show faced criticism from locals who believed they were inaccurately depicted and cast in a negative light.
Residents currently residing on the street have shared their perspective, noting changes over the past decade. One long-time resident, having lived on James Turner Street for almost ten years, remarked on the sense of community, describing it as quieter and more cohesive. Despite never having watched the programme depicting the street, she expressed contentment since her arrival, initially concerned due to the show’s portrayal.
Reflecting on her initial apprehensions, she recalled expressing concerns to her mother before moving in. However, her experience has been notably different from the show’s depiction. She highlighted the friendliness among neighbours, emphasizing their supportive and communal nature.
In contrast to the perceptions shaped by media portrayal, she asserted that the reality of living there is much more peaceful than commonly assumed.
James Clarke, also known as Fungi, was a prominent figure on the Channel 4 series. He passed away in 2019 at his residence in Kings Heath following a cardiac arrest.
Another regular on the show, Samora Roberts, referred to as “Black Dee,” received a seven-year jail sentence in 2016 after being convicted of possessing live ammunition and drugs.
Jay, a resident of James Turner Street for several years, mentioned that life had remained largely unchanged, aside from a noticeable increase in multiple occupancy homes and a rise in residents for whom English isn’t their first language.
“Nothing substantial has really shifted,” he remarked.
One of the notable success stories in the area is the Oasis Academy Foundry primary school. Situated at the junction of James Turner Street, across from a green area where students cultivate fruits and vegetables, this school has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Although deemed “inadequate” by Ofsted in 2012, it earned an “outstanding” rating from inspectors last year, marking a significant turnaround. The school gained attention in 2014 when concerns arose about students feeling unfairly singled out by a programme.
A regrettable incident occurred when a road sign bearing the name “James Turner Street” was stolen from the school’s exterior wall, causing distress among the community.
Steve Chalke, the head of Oasis overseeing the school, attributed this remarkable change to the relentless dedication of the staff, students, and support received from the local community.
He remarked that the initial episode of the programme had deeply affected the community. However, he commended the collective efforts of individuals in supporting each other during challenging times.
“Despite the darkness that enveloped us, the bright side emerged within this resilient community. People united to refute the portrayal and vowed to collaborate,” he expressed.
“The school’s excellence and the rekindling of a genuine community spirit in the neighbourhood owe nothing to Love Productions or Channel 4.”
