advise please for a relative with arrears

Bobble5366

A close relative of mine, who has fallen on hard times, and was just beginning to get himself out of debt, having found a job has just been contacted by the CSA who have taken upwards of £400 at source from his salary, for arrears and ongoing maintenance for his son (18) in full time education. Whilst he has no qualms about paying for his son, he has tried to negotiate a lower monthly amount.
His salary is 1100 pcm, rents is 470 pcm, plus food, utilities he cannot afford to now live off £600 per cm. Any advice??????

WYSPECIAL

How much are the arrears and how long have they existed for? Did he agree a repayment programme with them of have they had to go for enforcement?

Bobble5366

he's been unemployed for a while, contributions were taken from his JSA, his arrears are around 4k and ongoing is 164 pcm which he will pay, I don't really think anything can be done, it just that he has just got a job after being unemployed, having debts (council tax arrears, housing benefit overpayment - all of which are with the bailiffs which in its self incurs more costs). He's a nightmare with money but everyone wants a slice of his salary leaving him with threat of homelessness. Thanks for your response.

WYSPECIAL

Has he rung them up and explained this and tried to negotiate a different payment arrangement?

It would have taken a long time to run up arrears of £4k so they may not be sympathetic but worth asking.