It claimed to be a documentary series which would take a serious look at the lives of people who depend on benefits. But as soon as the Mail revealed filming for the Channel 5 show Benefits Britain: Life On The Dole, had taken place in Hull, there was a real fear it could tarnish the city's reputation.
The first episode was broadcast by 5 at 9pm last night.
Unlike Channel 4's Benefits Street, which caused an outcry for its portrayal over five episodes of the residents of a single street in Birmingham, Benefits Britain promises to feature a different town or city each week. The first episode was set in Great Yarmouth and Hull is expected to feature next month in episode four.
And while last night's programme may well have made cringeworthy viewing for those living in the Norfolk seaside town, at least they know by next week, the focus will have moved elsewhere.
Viewers were introduced last night to several families and individuals, all with a different story to tell. From what we saw, these people drink, smoke and use foul language. They expect handouts. They are not grateful to receive benefits, they complain they don't get enough and rant about the Government as if they believe the state owes them a living. Some also blame immigrants for "taking their jobs".
The content was predictable: there were the two women in their fifties, forced together by the bedroom tax, who complained pensioners were getting too much money; and the household of young men whose electricity meter was down to 23p, but who nevertheless chose to spend their last £10 on kebabs.
Channel 5 appears to have little ambition for the show, other than to tap into the current popularity for what has been described as "poverty porn". It seems they have been successful, too, with the media experts Mediatel reporting the show attracted two million viewers and a nine per cent share, the station's best return of the day.
The programme-makers came closest to fulfilling their promise to tackle serious issues by following the stories of several young people who had their benefits cut. Jordan McDonald, 20, saw his payments reduced by half when the Job Centre discovered he had failed to attend a government work programme. Things started to look up when he secured a seasonal job on a caravan park, but he quit soon after.
The show will no doubt fuel the debate about how people using benefits are portrayed in the media. It is a topic on which everyone has an opinion. You could argue last night's programme was exploitative, adeptly edited to provoke a response; then again, the programme-makers will no doubt say the subjects did not have a gun put to their heads.
People in Hull were urged not to take part by politicians and residents who were sceptical about the programme. On this evidence, you can see why they were concerned. If the Hull episode is as mediocre as last night's fare, it may not stick long in the memory; however, the people who did go before the cameras will no doubt be waiting nervously to see just how they will be portrayed when they appear on our screens next month.• Did you see episode one? What did you think?
