Businesses that excel in Milton Keynes don’t just operate there; they understand the city, its neighbourhoods, and the challenges and motivations of its residents.
Designed to identify and spotlight issues facing the communities of Milton Keynes, MK Community Foundation’s Vital Signs report combines local data, reports from groups and charity organisations, and real-life experiences from people on the front lines serving the community. It’s a comprehensive assessment of how the city is evolving and identifies where action is needed to create a fairer, more inclusive city.
Engaging with these issues isn’t just about corporate responsibility, it’s about the long-term community well-being and growth of Milton Keynes.
This year, the report focuses on four areas: Crime and Safety; Poverty and Disadvantage; Work; and Arts and Heritage.
The story behind the numbers
One of the stories the report tells is the striking contrast between the economic success of the city and its rising poverty levels. Milton Keynes ranks among the UK’s top 10 cities for highest wages, with a strong employment rate of 77.7%. Yet, despite this, nearly one in three children in the city is living in poverty. In addition, volunteers at a local food bank describe a rise in the number of people who used to donate to food banks now needing to use them instead. This includes key workers in the city, such as nurses, teachers and carers.
- Skills Shortages: 62% of businesses in the South of England report struggling to find skilled workers, highlighting the need for investment in training and upskilling.
- Economic Inactivity: 20.5% of working-age residents in Milton Keynes are not in employment, with many citing long-term illness or caregiving responsibilities, presenting an opportunity for businesses to explore more flexible work options.
- Gender Pay Gap: despite strong employment levels, women in Milton Keynes earn 19.2% less than men in full-time roles, inviting businesses to urgently address this persistent and multilayered issue.
The wellbeing of residents
The headline statistic from the report is a shocking 224.8% increase in sexual violence referrals over the past five years. In 2019 and 2020, 125 survivors sought help from the Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service (SAASS). By 2023 and 2024, this number had skyrocketed to 406 referrals. Coupled with a 77.2% rise in violent crime and sexual offences, these figures highlight an escalating public safety crisis in Milton Keynes.
The report is not just a set of statistics and experiences. It’s a call to action for everyone, members of the community, businesses, local organisations and influential people, to step up.
Businesses that want to play a part in building a stronger, more inclusive Milton Keynes, can consider becoming a Business Member of MK Community Foundation.
Read the full Vital Signs MK report here.
Learn how businesses can become a Business Member of MK Community Foundation here.
