As more people file for bankruptcy I receive more and more queries regarding the costs involved in going bankrupt, and recently the fees have increased. 

I know it seems a bit silly, here I am insolvent, cannot meet my obligations and I have to pay the courts to become bankrupt, but it is a fact.

The fees for filing for bankruptcy are £510, (£522 in London) due at the time of filing.  If you earn less than 14K PA or are receiving benefits, the fees can be waived by £150, by filing form ex160; so £360 is due at the time of filing (£372 in London).

Here is a link to the waiver form: Form ex160

The fees are not cheap, but if you are working and earning wages, most people simply cease making payments to their creditors and save for the fees.  Hopefully within a month or three you will have the fees saved.

Suppose you are not working, on just benefits or JSA; then you may be able to get some assistance from your local utility providers.  You would need to contact your local water, electric or gas providers to inquire if they have grant funds available to assist people in their bankruptcy fees.  Some providers do and the criteria for their providing the grant can vary among the providers, so you would need to inquire with them for these details.

If you cannot save for the fees, qualify for a grant, or have any family and friends that can help, unfortunately there are very few options left.

You can wait and see if a creditor will make you bankrupt; which in all probability will not occur if you have no real assets as the creditor then has the costs of the bankruptcy and will not receive anything.

There also is the option of doing nothing, making no payments, dealing with the creditors chasing you for payment, etc.  You can contact your creditors via correspondence, document your circumstance and ask them to write the debts off as you will never be able to pay them.  In some extreme situations for the elderly or those with medical hardships, the creditors may cease their collection efforts or in rare instances write the debt off; again, rare instances.

Also, as I have written, waiting and doing nothing can in some instances, just make matters worse.

As you can see, even becoming insolvent has its price.

Professional Bankruptcy Advice and Assistance