MK Community Foundation’s Vital Signs report provides clear, evidence-based insight into local needs. By spotlighting the issues shaping local communities, it offers a practical resource for the voluntary sector, policymakers, and local businesses looking to direct support where it’s most needed.
This year, the findings reveal a familiar story: Milton Keynes has ambition, innovation and opportunity, yet many residents are being left behind. People in the most deprived areas struggle to access the things that make the city a good place to live. Without action, the risk is a more divided city, where opportunity concentrates in some neighbourhoods and fades in others.
The themes addressed in Vital Signs are aligned with the goals of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development blueprint: Poverty and Disadvantage, Education, Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Stronger Communities and Diversity, Housing, Transport, Work and Local Economy, Arts and Heritage, and Crime and Safety.
Housing
In housing, Milton Keynes ranks in the bottom seven per cent of local authority districts for ‘barriers to housing and services’ (IMD 2025), measuring difficulties accessing affordable housing and essential services.
Homes are being built at pace. An average of 2,110 new homes are delivered each year, exceeding the government target of 1,720. On paper, affordability looks strong: the city ranks eighth of 296 local authorities, with 32% affordable housing across private developments. But reality is more complex. Affordable homes are increasingly pushed out of the city centre, and in Central Milton Keynes last year, developments delivered just seven per cent affordable housing.
Transport
Transport inequality entrenches wider poverty and disadvantage. Public transport is limited in housing estates outside the centre, placing extra financial pressure on low-income families. One family reported spending up to £800 a month on taxis in winter to get their children with special needs to school. The school is three miles away and too dangerous to reach on foot.
Taxi reliance highlights inequality: 26% of residents in the most deprived areas rely on taxis as a main mode of transport, compared with 11% in the most affluent areas. A lack of nearby shops forces people to choose between small, expensive shops or costly taxis to reach affordable supermarkets.
Poverty and Disadvantage
Milton Keynes remains less deprived than the England average, but its 2025 IMD rank (157/317) is lower than in 2019, indicating growing relative deprivation. Child poverty is rising, reflected in a seven per cent increase in children in low-income families between 2022/23 and 2023/24. In total, 11,619 children are eligible for free school meals.
Crime and Safety
Crime and safety are a major concern. When surveyed for the report, 54% of residents said levels of crime is the top thing they wanted to see improved. Women report deeper concern: 52% believe crime is worsening, compared with 34% of men.
Reported sexual offences rose by 17.8% between April 2024 and March 2025 compared with the previous year. Recorded offences across all crime types in 2024/25 totalled 26,971 (+3.1%). Other notable rises include hate crimes and incidents (+8%), domestic abuse (+4.9%), and shoplifting (+26.9%).
While these challenges are significant, Milton Keynes also has great strengths. It is one of the fastest growing and most innovative cities in the UK, ranking fourth for new economy firms, eighth for average weekly earnings, and third for start-up rate. Residents report strong job satisfaction, with 76% feeling they have the skills for a good job.
The city has abundant green spaces. Environment was the top area people felt was improving; 85% felt they had access to enjoy nature, and 75% felt they benefited from its wellbeing effects. Milton Keynes leads on innovative green projects, including pioneering green roofs.
Find out more about Milton Keynes Community Foundation at www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk
