Introduction from our CEO
Welcome to the 13th edition of MK Community Foundation’s Vital Signs report.
This year, we offer a comprehensive look at all the city’s Vital Signs areas. From poverty and disadvantage to housing, employment, the environment, and health and wellbeing, we highlight what’s working well and where challenges remain.
The report reveals a city that continues to grow from strength to strength, not only in the physical but in all communities too. When interviewing organisations for case studies for this report, we asked them what felt unique about their work in the city, and for many
the answer was: the strong sense of community and collaboration between different organisations.
Our research also reveals that voluntary sector organisations across the city are facing an increasingly complex landscape when supporting the most vulnerable. The cost-of-living crisis continues to have a profound impact on residents in Milton Keynes, while challenges in housing and transport are placing additional pressure on many people.
We hope this report becomes a year-round tool for Milton Keynes, helping ensure attention and resources are directed to where they are needed most.
When used strategically and in collaboration with others, Vital Signs is more than a publication — it is a catalyst for impactful partnerships and lasting change across the city.
Ian Revell, Chief Executive
Note on Methodology
The Vital Signs report is produced through a comprehensive review of available data at a local authority level from a wide range of sources; from government reports to research from specific organisations.
This year, we have also conducted our own survey of 255
residents in Milton Keynes, to provide an authentic voice on everyday life in the city.
The survey was run by Opinium, an insight agency who specialise in public opinion polling, between 4th September and 19th October 2025.
Questions covered how people felt about the progress in the city towards each Vital Sign, and some bespoke questions focusing on transport, the environment and the local economy.
IMD Explanation
In October 2025, the first update to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) since 2019 was released. The IMD compares levels of deprivation across England, measuring unmet needs and limited access to opportunities. Each area receives a score based on seven weighted categories, including income, employment, health, education, crime, housing barriers and the living environment.
The IMD is calculated at Lower-layer Super Output Area (LSOA) level. LSOAs are small, consistently sized areas of around 1,500 people. They are then combined to produce a score for each of England’s 317 local authority areas.
Milton Keynes’ overall ranking is based on the aggregated scores of all its LSOAs. Find out more about the IMD here.
Thank you
Report Contributors
Richard Alsop - Director of Strategy and Development, Willen Hospice
Sophie Bennett - Producer of Inclusion, MK Gallery
Fiona Boundy - Arts & Heritage Culture Team Lead, MK Council
Paul Clark - Chair of MK Dons Community Trust
James Dove - Public Health Principal - MK Council
Laura Dove - MK Museum
Shane Downer - Heritage and International Partnerships, MK Council
Hannah Ellams - Director, Arts and Heritage Alliance (AHA)
Katy Eyeles - Head of Marketing and Comms, MK College
Bill Griffiths - MK Museum
Mac Heath - Children’s Services, MK Council
Louisa Hobbs - MK Food Bank
Tracey Keech - Healthwatch MK
Jane Lambert - Lead contact for Milton Keynes Umbrella Project
Yvette Lamidey - South Central Chair, Federation of Small Businesses
Sophie Lloyd - Head of Economic Development at MK City Council
Rosie May - Head of Inclusion, MK Gallery
Emma McVan - Open University - Societal Challenges
Kurshida Mirza - Former High Sheriff of Bucks (and MKCF Vice President) who led on the School Exclusion Symposium
Cat Moore - Executive Director, The Stables/IF festival
Opinion - Research and Insight Agency
Zoe Raven - CEO of Acorn Early Years Foundation
Ben Thomas - Director of Citizen’s Advice, Milton Keynes
Jay Virgo - Q:alliance
Nicola Walker - Interim Director of Resident Services, YMCA
Jane Whild - Gender Pedal Group Taskforce
Case Study Contributors
Ian Anderson - MK Money Lifeline
Isabel Binns - MK Act
Katherine Bull - Westbury Art Centre
Emily Davis - Action4Youth
Sally Davies - SAASSBMK
Andy Forbes - Kings Community Centre
Vanessa Holmes - MK Hospital Charity
Sarah Mist - Urb Farm/Urban Bee-lievers
Kelly Murdoch - Works For Us
Chinwe Osegae - Acornfields
Nikki Ross - Career Connect
Sandra Trew - One Love Luncheon Club
Jay Virgo - Q:alliance
Jane Whild - Gender Pedal Group Taskforce
Report design: Yellowyoyo
Report printing: Business World Services
Photography: Stephanie O’Callaghan, Jane Russell, Espey Photography, Jay Virgo, Connor Warrender
Researchers: Hannah Marcus Consulting, Katherine Jennings
Survey: Ran by Opinium
With thanks to The Open University for sponsoring this year’s Vital Signs report and enabling this important snapshot of our place and people.
Make an enquiry
Have any questions? Feel free to get in touch with our team.