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This briefing paper gives figures on the level of public spending in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It also gives figures for the English regions.

In 2021/22, public spending per person in the UK as a whole was £11,897. In England, it was £11,549 (3% below the UK average). This compares with:

  • Scotland: £13,881 (17% above the UK average)
  • Wales: £13,401 (13% above the UK average)
  • Northern Ireland: £14,062 (18% above the UK average).

Among the English regions, public spending per person was lowest in the East Midlands at £10,528 (12% below the UK average) and highest in London at £13,719 (15% higher than the UK average).

The data shown are for public spending per person and are taken from HM Treasury’s Country and regional analysis: 2022, which contains more detailed information including spending by function (health, education etc).

Spending figures for 2020/21 and 2021/22 reflect the unusual spending situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and are different in some respects from spending patterns in previous years.


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