Scotland · single-tier councils · 2024-25
East Ayrshire Council budget and spending
East Ayrshire Council had net current service expenditure of £320.1m in 2024-25, about £2,638 for each of its 121,350 residents. By total budget it is 146th highest of 185 single-tier councils.
- Net service spending, 2024-25
- £320.1m
- Spend per resident
- £2,638
- 54th of 185 single-tier councils
- Population (mid-2025)
- 121,350
- ONS mid-year estimate
- Rank by total budget
- 146th
- of 185 single-tier councils
This is the council budget only (net current service expenditure). NHS, pensions, Universal Credit and debt interest are not included. In two-tier counties, education and social care sit with the county, not the district.
Where East Ayrshire Council spends its money
- Education£174.5m
54.5% of the budget
- Social work£116.9m
36.5% of the budget
- Environment£16.0m
5.0% of the budget
- Roads and transport£10.8m
3.4% of the budget
- Culture£9.9m
3.1% of the budget
- Housing (non-HRA)£5.5m
1.7% of the budget
- Central services£342,000
0.1% of the budget
Single-tier councils (unitary, metropolitan, London borough and Scottish and Welsh councils) run every local service in their area, so they are compared with each other.
Councils with similar spend per resident
East Ayrshire Council: common questions
How much does East Ayrshire Council spend?
East Ayrshire Council had net current service expenditure of £320.1m in 2024-25. This is the council budget only: it excludes NHS spending, pensions, Universal Credit and debt interest.
How much does East Ayrshire Council spend per resident?
About £2,638 per resident, from a 2024-25 budget of £320.1m and an ONS population estimate of 121,350. That is 54th highest of 185 single-tier councils.
What does East Ayrshire Council spend most on?
Education is the largest service line at £174.5m, 54.5% of the 2024-25 budget.
How much of East Ayrshire Council's budget goes on social care?
Adult and children's social care together take 36.5% of net service spending in 2024-25.