Big Issue is 21 today, but boss is ashamed we still need it

Most 21st birthdays are a time for celebration, but the founder of the Big Issue today said that he was ashamed the magazine was “as necessary as ever”.

John Bird launched the magazine on October 1, 1991 to give the homeless a way of earning a living. Since then, it has sold 120  million copies and put £150  million into the pockets of vendors.

Mr Bird, 66, said he was proud of their achievements, but hoped the time would come when the magazine was no longer needed.

“We are filling a gap that is not being filled by society — the community can’t handle or absorb these people,” he said.

“It’s a plus that we have been there for homeless people for so long, but also a minus — 21 years on and we are as necessary as ever.”

Mr Bird, who became homeless at the age of five and spent time in prison, said the anniversary issue would be a “celebration of the magazine’s success, but also a warning about the future”.