England · district councils · 2024-25

West Suffolk Council budget and spending

West Suffolk Council had net current service expenditure of £24.5m in 2024-25, about £129 for each of its 189,407 residents. By total budget it is 42nd highest of 164 district councils.

Net service spending, 2024-25
£24.5m
Spend per resident
£129
139th of 164 district councils
Population (mid-2025)
189,407
ONS mid-year estimate
Rank by total budget
42nd
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 West Suffolk Council spends its money

West Suffolk Council spending by service, 2024-25
  • Environment£8.4m

    34.2% of the budget

  • Central and other£7.3m

    29.7% of the budget

  • Culture£4.8m

    19.7% of the budget

  • Housing£4.3m

    17.4% of the budget

  • Planning£2.8m

    11.3% 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 West Suffolk

Across six benefits, £283.1m was paid out in West Suffolk in the 12 months to March 2026, about £1,495 per resident. That is 234th highest of 315 areas per person and 154th by total pounds, and 30.2% below the England and Wales figure of £2,142.

Benefits paid in West Suffolk by benefit, 12 months to March 2026
  • Universal Credit£169.6m
  • Personal Independence Payment£68.2m
  • Housing Benefit£21.5m
  • Disability Living Allowance£18.7m
  • Employment and Support Allowance£10.9m
  • Carer's Allowance£8.6m

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

West Suffolk Council: common questions

How much does West Suffolk Council spend?

West Suffolk Council had net current service expenditure of £24.5m in 2024-25. This is the council budget only: it excludes NHS spending, pensions, Universal Credit and debt interest.

How much does West Suffolk Council spend per resident?

About £129 per resident, from a 2024-25 budget of £24.5m and an ONS population estimate of 189,407. That is 139th highest of 164 district councils.

What does West Suffolk Council spend most on?

Environment is the largest service line at £8.4m, 34.2% of the 2024-25 budget.

How much is spent on benefits in West Suffolk?

£283.1m 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 £1,495 per resident. That ranks 234th of 315 areas per person. It excludes the State Pension and is not part of the council budget.