England · district councils · 2024-25
South Oxfordshire Council budget and spending
South Oxfordshire Council had net current service expenditure of £25.6m in 2024-25, about £162 for each of its 158,084 residents. By total budget it is 29th highest of 164 district councils.
- Net service spending, 2024-25
- £25.6m
- Spend per resident
- £162
- 87th of 164 district councils
- Population (mid-2025)
- 158,084
- ONS mid-year estimate
- Rank by total budget
- 29th
- 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 South Oxfordshire Council spends its money
- Central and other£11.8m
46.0% of the budget
- Environment£8.3m
32.5% of the budget
- Planning£2.7m
10.6% of the budget
- Culture£2.2m
8.4% of the budget
- Housing£1.3m
5.3% 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 South Oxfordshire
Across six benefits, £174.8m was paid out in South Oxfordshire in the 12 months to March 2026, about £1,106 per resident. That is 307th highest of 315 areas per person and 259th by total pounds, and 48.4% below the England and Wales figure of £2,142.
- Universal Credit£106.2m
- Personal Independence Payment£35.4m
- Disability Living Allowance£16.6m
- Housing Benefit£14.4m
- Employment and Support Allowance£6.2m
- Carer's Allowance£5.5m
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
South Oxfordshire Council: common questions
How much does South Oxfordshire Council spend?
South Oxfordshire Council had net current service expenditure of £25.6m in 2024-25. This is the council budget only: it excludes NHS spending, pensions, Universal Credit and debt interest.
How much does South Oxfordshire Council spend per resident?
About £162 per resident, from a 2024-25 budget of £25.6m and an ONS population estimate of 158,084. That is 87th highest of 164 district councils.
What does South Oxfordshire Council spend most on?
Central and other is the largest service line at £11.8m, 46.0% of the 2024-25 budget.
How much is spent on benefits in South Oxfordshire?
£174.8m 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 £1,106 per resident. That ranks 307th of 315 areas per person. It excludes the State Pension and is not part of the council budget.