This is such a tricky issue, and one that is not easily resolved. The unfortunate thing is that prevaricating will inevitably lead to more debt.
This may sound daft to you, but I find that a good exercise to put before those that do not want to see is get the monopoly money out, and I have actually done it many occasions with my own clients by the way. Deal yourself your total household income as it stands. List all your essential outgoings and take those away from your pile one by one. Include all outgoings that you need to live reasonably, but not debt repayments at this stage. Get him to see what cannot be done without and which must therefore be paid for. There, hopefully, should be a surplus at the end of this exercise, which is your disposable income. You cannot argue with what the eye can see in this case. You should then deal out the minimum payments on your debts into another pile and point out in no uncertain terms the difference in the two piles. If you wish, you can then put another, say, £500 on top of the DI pile and see what difference it makes. £500 is possibly more than the extra you may be able to bring in by working your fingers to the bone as you say, but if it is still less than you need, which by the sounds of things it probably is, you need to point out that the only way these commitments can be met is by reducing the bills at home (which can't be done as he has already agreed that that money needs to be spent) or by borrowing more constantly to make the payments. Point out also, if he is worried about credit rating, that a good credit rating is actually only a tool to allow you to borrow more. I know this a very simplistic exercise, but believe me it is very, very effective if you choose to try it.
Obviously, as Mel points out, a chat with a professional to look at a proper budget is preferable, but anything that may help him to see the light is useful.
Regards.
