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Scotland · single-tier councils · 2024-25

West Dunbartonshire Council budget and spending

West Dunbartonshire Council had net current service expenditure of £242.3m in 2024-25, about £2,743 for each of its 88,340 residents. By total budget it is 172nd highest of 185 single-tier councils.

Net service spending, 2024-25
£242.3m
Spend per resident
£2,743
44th of 185 single-tier councils
Population (mid-2025)
88,340
ONS mid-year estimate
Rank by total budget
172nd
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 West Dunbartonshire Council spends its money

West Dunbartonshire Council spending by service, 2024-25
  • Education£137.1m

    56.6% of the budget

  • Social work£92.9m

    38.3% of the budget

  • Culture£12.9m

    5.3% of the budget

  • Environment£10.9m

    4.5% of the budget

  • Central services£6.6m

    2.7% of the budget

  • Roads and transport£5.0m

    2.1% of the budget

  • Housing (non-HRA)£4.6m

    1.9% 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

West Dunbartonshire Council: common questions

How much does West Dunbartonshire Council spend?

West Dunbartonshire Council had net current service expenditure of £242.3m in 2024-25. This is the council budget only: it excludes NHS spending, pensions, Universal Credit and debt interest.

How much does West Dunbartonshire Council spend per resident?

About £2,743 per resident, from a 2024-25 budget of £242.3m and an ONS population estimate of 88,340. That is 44th highest of 185 single-tier councils.

What does West Dunbartonshire Council spend most on?

Education is the largest service line at £137.1m, 56.6% of the 2024-25 budget.

How much of West Dunbartonshire Council's budget goes on social care?

Adult and children's social care together take 38.3% of net service spending in 2024-25.