England · district councils · 2024-25
Tunbridge Wells Council budget and spending
Tunbridge Wells Council had net current service expenditure of £16.7m in 2024-25, about £139 for each of its 120,098 residents. By total budget it is 111th highest of 164 district councils.
- Net service spending, 2024-25
- £16.7m
- Spend per resident
- £139
- 125th of 164 district councils
- Population (mid-2025)
- 120,098
- ONS mid-year estimate
- Rank by total budget
- 111th
- 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 Tunbridge Wells Council spends its money
- Environment£5.3m
31.6% of the budget
- Culture£4.9m
29.2% of the budget
- Planning£4.3m
25.9% of the budget
- Central and other£3.7m
22.3% of the budget
- Housing£2.9m
17.1% 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 Tunbridge Wells
Across six benefits, £176.0m was paid out in Tunbridge Wells in the 12 months to March 2026, about £1,466 per resident. That is 243rd highest of 315 areas per person and 255th by total pounds, and 31.6% below the England and Wales figure of £2,142.
- Universal Credit£108.4m
- Personal Independence Payment£36.7m
- Housing Benefit£15.4m
- Disability Living Allowance£12.6m
- Employment and Support Allowance£6.4m
- Carer's Allowance£5.0m
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
Tunbridge Wells Council: common questions
How much does Tunbridge Wells Council spend?
Tunbridge Wells Council had net current service expenditure of £16.7m in 2024-25. This is the council budget only: it excludes NHS spending, pensions, Universal Credit and debt interest.
How much does Tunbridge Wells Council spend per resident?
About £139 per resident, from a 2024-25 budget of £16.7m and an ONS population estimate of 120,098. That is 125th highest of 164 district councils.
What does Tunbridge Wells Council spend most on?
Environment is the largest service line at £5.3m, 31.6% of the 2024-25 budget.
How much is spent on benefits in Tunbridge Wells?
£176.0m 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 £1,466 per resident. That ranks 243rd of 315 areas per person. It excludes the State Pension and is not part of the council budget.