Scotland · single-tier councils · 2024-25
South Ayrshire Council budget and spending
South Ayrshire Council had net current service expenditure of £311.7m in 2024-25, about £2,776 for each of its 112,280 residents. By total budget it is 149th highest of 185 single-tier councils.
- Net service spending, 2024-25
- £311.7m
- Spend per resident
- £2,776
- 42nd of 185 single-tier councils
- Population (mid-2025)
- 112,280
- ONS mid-year estimate
- Rank by total budget
- 149th
- 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 South Ayrshire Council spends its money
- Education£153.5m
49.3% of the budget
- Social work£106.9m
34.3% of the budget
- Environment£17.8m
5.7% of the budget
- Culture£14.0m
4.5% of the budget
- Roads and transport£10.8m
3.5% of the budget
- Central services£8.2m
2.6% of the budget
- Housing (non-HRA)£5.0m
1.6% 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
South Ayrshire Council: common questions
How much does South Ayrshire Council spend?
South Ayrshire Council had net current service expenditure of £311.7m in 2024-25. This is the council budget only: it excludes NHS spending, pensions, Universal Credit and debt interest.
How much does South Ayrshire Council spend per resident?
About £2,776 per resident, from a 2024-25 budget of £311.7m and an ONS population estimate of 112,280. That is 42nd highest of 185 single-tier councils.
What does South Ayrshire Council spend most on?
Education is the largest service line at £153.5m, 49.3% of the 2024-25 budget.
How much of South Ayrshire Council's budget goes on social care?
Adult and children's social care together take 34.3% of net service spending in 2024-25.