UK local government total current receipts
UK local government total current receipts stood at £6,035m in Aug 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Public sector finances table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Apr 1997 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Public sector finances table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total current receipts by level of government | |||||||||||
| Local government | 6,035 | 6,035 | 6,050 | 6,049 | 6,049 | 5,760 | 5,761 | 5,761 | 5,910 | 5,911 | |
| Public corporations | 1,210 | 1,210 | 1,076 | 1,074 | 1,074 | 1,768 | 1,770 | 1,770 | 1,296 | 1,299 |
Understanding UK local government total current receipts
Operating revenues, council tax collections, local fee income, and current government grants received by municipal authorities across the United Kingdom are aggregated in this local government receipt series. The measure captures all incoming current financial inflows at the sub-national tier, distinguishing them from central government levies and public corporation commercial earnings. Excluded from this sub-national tally are capital grants designated for major infrastructure projects and proceeds raised through municipal borrowing.
Interpreting this municipal revenue series requires careful attention to the timing of annual council tax bill issuances and central government grant allocations, which introduce distinct seasonal patterns. Consecutive month comparisons can mislead because local revenue collection is heavily front-loaded in the opening months of the financial year. Revisions often occur when local authorities submit finalised outturn data to replace provisional budgetary estimates. Analysts evaluating this series alongside central government receipts can gauge the decentralised share of total public sector revenue generation.
Frequently asked questions
- What revenue streams are included in UK local government total current receipts?
- The data covers council tax collections, local fees, charges, and current grants allocated to municipal authorities across the United Kingdom.
- Why do local government receipts surge at the start of the financial year?
- Households typically begin paying annual council tax bills in April, creating a concentrated inflow of revenue for municipal authorities.
- Does this series include capital grants received from the central government?
- No, capital transfers for infrastructure are separated from current operating receipts.