...to think £300/year is a pittance...

[TotallyUtterlyBroke]

...to clothe one adult and one teen?

After messy divorce/period of homelessness/move to new house I got into debt and have been on a debt management plan for almost five years. I have just had my annual review where I have to give the DM company details of all my income and expenditure (mortgage, bills, council tax, etc.) and all money leftover after basic needs are met goes to my creditors (mostly bank and credit cards) via standing order. So far, so reasonable...

The creditors give the debt management company 'guidelines' as to what is a reasonable amount for debtors to spend on certain items and I totally accept that I shouldn't be living the life of riley while I owe people money. However... the creditors' guidelines state that one adult and one 14 year old child should only be allowed £30/month between them for ALL clothing and shoes, including school uniform. AIBU in thinking this really isn't realistic even though I buy my own clothes second hand on ebay? I am about to spend almost double that next week to replace my DD's school trousers (2 pairs), school shirts (with logo) (2) and a cheap pair of shoes, which probably won't even last until half term...

I really do understand that I have to repay my debts, but AIBU in thinking £180/year per person for all clothes and shoes is just silly? I am constantly having to into the equally meagre food budget in order to manage, ie. we eat baked beans and spuds for a week or a month when DD needs trainers/PE kit, for example.

Very easy to get into debt when you're having to start again.

totally although Payplan are pretty good, they are NOT a charity and they are not the best and I have seen people have difficulties with a lot recently. Please ring National Debtline and get a second opinion. I honestly think that if you have more than 4 years to pay then you should be looking at other options.

Bankruptcy could very well be a valid option for you and you can go bankrupt if you have a mortgage if the house is in negative equity it is even easier. The allowance for clothes would be around £60 per month for the two of you. I strongly suspect that you will not be paying into an IPA, where a bankrupt pays any surplus they have. Go and have a chat to the guys on the Bankruptcy board and read some threads over on MSE.

Can you increase your income either by doing some extra casusal work or by dd working for money?

My mum couldn't find her size at Asda or Tesco and we got some bras, knickers and pants and pj from Bon Prix. Not as cheap as asda but still cheaper than other stores. This was last year but have a look at their website you might find something.

Those who say they look after their clothes and wash the bras in special cycle, if you are poor and you wash 2 bras in special cycle you will end up paying more electricity!

£300 a year sounds perfectly do-able, just a bit tough, as has already been mentioned.

WRT the growing teen comments - isn't a Saturday job or paper delivery route an option most parents encourage these days (if practical - I realise not all shops have vacancies and/or the area might not be safe)?

Honestly, I think £300 is more than fine for 1 adult and 1 child. My budget is currently around that per year for all the kids clothing (3 DCs). DH and I rarely buy clothes so I don't know what it is per year (don't write it on my spreadsheets as it's so rare) but I do buy the Asda £3.50 shirts, similar for DH - so probably about £100 a year off the top of my head.

Obviously if we were starting from scratch it would be near impossible (school bag, and what have you) but for new purchases (inc. ebay items, charity shop stuff) that's reasonable.... not generous, reasonable.

Hard.
Coats and shoes are always going to be expensive.

It can be done though. It just wont be much fun. You will only be able to buy what you need and nothing left over for things you want or even things that are bargains and would be useful.

I recommend Sainsbury's basics knickers. I get them in black and white when they have their 25% off events (every couple of months). They are better than primark etc and you only need black and white. Buy flesh coloured bras only and you will be able to wear them with everthing.

Car boots are great but if your budget is that tight you will have to be very disciplined and only buy what you need.

Lots of catalogues do interest free credit but I suppose you would have trouble getting an account now? Its how I used to get the DC's clothes when they were little and I was on £60 a week.

Those adverts about cheap school uniforms always piss me off. The chances of getting the colours you want in the sizes you need are bloody miniscule.

Secondary school uniform requirements are outrageous.

Yes I think it is possible. Of course it does depend a lot on how much your daughter's school uniform is.
For myself I buy from Asda, Sainsbury's Primark or Peacocks. I often buy things from the reduced rail [Sainsbury's is particularly good for this]. I usually just buy 1 or 2 outfits per season and add them to my existing clothes.
I don't understand why people say Primarks stuff falls apart after a few washes. I have things from there that are 10 years old. I wash and iron my clothes inside out and never use fabric conditioner, I heard this helps to protect the fabric. Have also heard it is better to handwash bras.
Shoes come from shoezone,or supermarkets, including the children's. They all have perfect feet. I buy their trainers from sports direct.

Should have added, Sainsbury's often do promotions on Mondays that are 20% off. The school clothes are quite good quality [if this would be suitable for your daughter]. Best of luck OP, hope things improve.