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SCROUNGER, benefit scum, and dosser are just a few of the insults that Marie Buchan frequently encounters.
However, for the Birmingham mother of eight, the nickname Welfare Queen has always been her preferred choice.
Marie Buchan has spent the majority of her adult life relying on benefits.
She sparked public outrage after purchasing a horse with her welfare payments.
The mother of eight expresses concern about the example she sets for her children.
First claiming benefits at 19 years old, Marie has been part of the welfare system for 23 years and claims to have received approximately £500,000 in government assistance.
In comments likely to infuriate hard-working Britons, the unapologetic mother asserts that relying on state support has afforded her a life of remarkable luxury.
“Being on benefits has never prevented me from doing anything,” Marie states. “I have enjoyed many luxuries.”
Living in a four-bedroom house in Selly Oak, she is among the millions affected by Britain's escalating worklessness crisis.
According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 20 percent of the working-age population, roughly 9.4 million people, are currently unemployed.
Of these, around 2.8 million are classified as long-term sick, and data from The Institute for Fiscal Studies reveals that one in ten working-age individuals is now receiving incapacity benefits.
While many on benefits struggle to make ends meet, Marie's experience has not been one of deprivation.
In 2018, she caused widespread indignation after traveling to undergo a £1,500 breast enhancement, increasing her size from a 34A to a 34D.
Although she claims to have financed the procedure through profits from car boot sales, it is likely that the items sold were initially purchased with taxpayer money.
The following year, she made headlines once more when it was disclosed that she flew abroad for laser surgery to achieve a ‘designer vagina’—again insisting that she paid for it with her car boot earnings.
“I did fly abroad for the surgery, but it’s something I deeply regret,” she admits.
“It was a huge mistake, and it’s embarrassing for my children.”
Marie ignited public outrage yet again when she decided to buy a horse with her benefits.
“I simply wanted to treat myself and had been saving my money. Owning a horse had always been my dream,” she confesses.
It’s very easy to remain in the system for the rest of your life.
“I paid £600 upfront for the horse and had to spend an additional £100 each month for its upkeep. Food costs were around £25 monthly.”
Reflecting on the situation, Marie acknowledges the public’s outrage. “It was a significant mistake. I was flaunting it in people's faces, and I genuinely regret that,” she admits.
“He is no longer with me because I couldn’t afford to keep him. Perhaps if I return to work, I could buy another one.”
Despite her frequent extravagant purchases funded by the government, Marie has not always enjoyed such a privileged life.
“My parents were not wealthy while I was growing up. My father was a window cleaner, and my mother was disabled, so she relied on benefits,” she explains.
“We were part of a large family—my grandmother had 14 children. We didn’t have much, but we managed.”
First claiming benefits at 19, Marie has received approximately £500,000 in government assistance.
Throughout her 23 years of receiving benefits, Marie’s annual income has fluctuated between £26,000 and £37,000.
At 19, Marie welcomed her eldest daughter, Tia, and first entered the welfare system.
“I was frequently in and out of work as a carer. I would come off benefits, have another child, and then be back on benefits,” she recounts.
“It was quite a rollercoaster, so ultimately, I chose to remain on benefits
