Scotland · single-tier councils · 2024-25
East Lothian Council budget and spending
East Lothian Council had net current service expenditure of £283.4m in 2024-25, about £2,434 for each of its 116,460 residents. By total budget it is 159th highest of 185 single-tier councils.
- Net service spending, 2024-25
- £283.4m
- Spend per resident
- £2,434
- 66th of 185 single-tier councils
- Population (mid-2025)
- 116,460
- ONS mid-year estimate
- Rank by total budget
- 159th
- 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 Lothian Council spends its money
- Education£146.0m
51.5% of the budget
- Social work£97.2m
34.3% of the budget
- Culture£18.1m
6.4% of the budget
- Environment£13.9m
4.9% of the budget
- Roads and transport£7.4m
2.6% of the budget
- Housing (non-HRA)£7.2m
2.5% of the budget
- Central services£4.1m
1.4% 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 Lothian Council: common questions
How much does East Lothian Council spend?
East Lothian Council had net current service expenditure of £283.4m in 2024-25. This is the council budget only: it excludes NHS spending, pensions, Universal Credit and debt interest.
How much does East Lothian Council spend per resident?
About £2,434 per resident, from a 2024-25 budget of £283.4m and an ONS population estimate of 116,460. That is 66th highest of 185 single-tier councils.
What does East Lothian Council spend most on?
Education is the largest service line at £146.0m, 51.5% of the 2024-25 budget.
How much of East Lothian Council's budget goes on social care?
Adult and children's social care together take 34.3% of net service spending in 2024-25.