To put this into perspective, 5 years ago, whilst working for a different organisation admittedly, a survey was done by one of the major firms in this field that found that, whilst there was a minimum acceptable standard of living to be allowed for, we could allow on financial statements a maximum of £480 for food, £100 clothes and £60 for toiletries for a family of 2 adults and 2 children, £640 in total whereas if memory serves, and I am at home so I cannot swear to this, but the guidelines now indicate a maximum of £445 for similar cases.
This was 5 years ago remember, but I recall little opposition in getting those cases through.
Result? I very rarely recommend IVA's now for single people and couples without children as the allowances are not something that I myself could live within or stick to, as such it would be hypocritical to recommend a product that I would not look at myself.
The updating of allowances for people to have a decent life with is long overdue.
Regards.