How much spare income is needed? To be accepted for a payment arrangement?

[Deleted User]

I know it seems odd, but I have been advised by Halifax in the past that if I have 0.00 left at the end of each month and still have X bill to pay that they cannot help, however if I have say £5 left over they will look at accepting the £5.00.

I hope that makes sense, so my question is how much are you supposed to have spare to repay using payment arrangements. What is the point where they say go to the debt charity and look at IVA or alternative.

I'm also keen to know what the guidance is for things like food and gas, I know what I spend but when you call they say we have to allow X for that, what's X please ?:)

Thanks for your help - well I know someone here will know about this.