England · district councils · 2024-25
Exeter Council budget and spending
Exeter Council had net current service expenditure of £20.1m in 2024-25, about £146 for each of its 137,894 residents. By total budget it is 68th highest of 164 district councils.
- Net service spending, 2024-25
- £20.1m
- Spend per resident
- £146
- 115th of 164 district councils
- Population (mid-2025)
- 137,894
- ONS mid-year estimate
- Rank by total budget
- 68th
- of 164 district 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 Exeter Council spends its money
- Culture£8.8m
43.7% of the budget
- Environment£7.9m
39.3% of the budget
- Housing£7.5m
37.5% of the budget
- Central and other£5.3m
26.5% of the budget
District councils run bins, planning, housing and leisure. Social care and education sit with the county council, so district budgets are far smaller and are only compared with other districts.
Benefits spending in Exeter
Across six benefits, £242.6m was paid out in Exeter in the 12 months to March 2026, about £1,759 per resident. That is 190th highest of 315 areas per person and 184th by total pounds, and 17.9% below the England and Wales figure of £2,142.
- Universal Credit£137.8m
- Personal Independence Payment£59.9m
- Housing Benefit£22.2m
- Disability Living Allowance£17.2m
- Employment and Support Allowance£10.2m
- Carer's Allowance£6.6m
Covers six benefits only: Universal Credit, PIP, Housing Benefit, DLA, Carer's Allowance and ESA. Excludes the State Pension, the largest welfare line. Compiled by the TaxPayers' Alliance from DWP Stat-Xplore, not a DWP borough publication. England and Wales, £133.1 billion in the 12 months to March 2026. Do not add this to the council budget: Housing Benefit is in both.
Councils with similar spend per resident
Exeter Council: common questions
How much does Exeter Council spend?
Exeter Council had net current service expenditure of £20.1m in 2024-25. This is the council budget only: it excludes NHS spending, pensions, Universal Credit and debt interest.
How much does Exeter Council spend per resident?
About £146 per resident, from a 2024-25 budget of £20.1m and an ONS population estimate of 137,894. That is 115th highest of 164 district councils.
What does Exeter Council spend most on?
Culture is the largest service line at £8.8m, 43.7% of the 2024-25 budget.
How much is spent on benefits in Exeter?
£242.6m was paid out in the 12 months to March 2026 on six benefits (Universal Credit, PIP, Housing Benefit, DLA, Carer's Allowance and ESA), about £1,759 per resident. That ranks 190th of 315 areas per person. It excludes the State Pension and is not part of the council budget.