The Catholic and extended Liverpudlian Boswell family live in the Dingle District which is led by its matriarch Nellie. It's Thatcher's Britain, and Nellie leads them through a number of hurdles as they all try to make their way through life with a lack of support. Nellie's estranged husband left her for another woman, yet her family are still living in the family home with her in Kelsall Street. They contribute to the central money fund through benefit fraud and the sale of stolen goods.