People who can't meet their debt obligations are, under certain circumstances, advised to seek bankruptcy. The problem for many such people is that it costs �475 to apply for bankruptcy, which they simply can't afford.
This has led to a campaign for an alternative form of bankruptcy, for those with very limited means, which doesn't involve paying a large fee.
The Government has responded by introducing Debt Relief Orders which are, in many ways, the same as bankruptcy. The principle difference is that (because DROs are only available to those with minimal assets) there's no forfeiture of assets involved.
To obtain a DRO a debtor must apply through a recognised intermediary (such as the CAB). The total unsecured debts must not exceed �15000 and the debtor's gross assets must not exceed �300. Further the debtor's disposable income, after the deduction of reasonable household expenses must not exceed �50 per month.
More here:
http://debtrelieforder.org.uk/commonly-asked-d ebt-relief-order-questions
Chris