Jane
If you don't sign it it may harm the application for early discharge.
It does sound a bit harsh and somewhat cynically I'm beginning to wonder whether in some instances the OR is trying to drum up the money to meet his admin fee. Clearly for the forum members to comment we'd need to see the full income and expenditure.
Both Jane and Chris - If you and the OR can't agree, then the OR can go for an Income Payments Order. Under S310(2) IA 1986 the Court shall not make the Order to reduce your income below that "what appears to the Court to be necessary for meeting the reasonable domestic needs of the bankrupt
and his family
"
It is therefore quite possible that if it were to go to Court the District Judge would find in your favour. However, clearly the best option will always be to reach an agreement you can live with if you can. If we've got full I&E datails then we ought to be able to give you an idea.
Ian
Chris
I didn't see your latest post until I had already typed mine. You are on means tested benefit - My initial thoughts were that that would appear to rule out an Income Payments Order/agreement. However, my research suggest that that's the case where benefit is the only or main source of income. Clearly though it's a factor. See this link
http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/
freedomofinformation/technical/asehelpmanual/
I/IncomePaymentsAgreements.htm