Step 1 Know what you’ve really got 1 What is reasonable spending for my type of household? Creditors are more likely to agree a payment arrangement if they think your flexible costs are reasonable for your household. People often ask us what is reasonable to spend on food and housekeeping. The table below shows how much we typically find that people spend in this area. After you have filled in your outgoings in Your full budget, compare your food and housekeeping costs (Box 23) with our Food and housekeeping monthly amounts table. Remember that everyone’s spending will be different and that your costs should be based on your household’s needs. For example, you may find that your grocery costs increase as your children get older. Food and housekeeping monthly amounts table This includes various costs, such as groceries (but not toiletries), nappies, school meals, meals at work and laundry. These are guidelines only. Single person £240 – £340 Couple £390 – £570 Each child £75 – £210 Example To compare his costs with our typical spending figures, Pat adds up the following amounts. Lower Higher amount amount £390 £570 (for Pat and his partner) +£75 +£210 (for their child) = £465 = £780 Pat’s actual spending of £650 is between £465 (the lower amount) and £780 (the higher amount) and is likely to be seen as reasonable. If the figure in Box 23 of Your full budget is much more or much less than the amount shown for your household, your creditors may ask you why. You may have extra costs because of a special diet, illness or disability. If so, tell your creditors. If a creditor says that your spending is too high, contact us for advice. Page 21