Vital Signs MK 2025 - Report - Page 12
Poverty & Disadvantage
Whilst there is no universal de昀椀nition of
poverty, it is widely accepted as:
“When you are unable to a昀昀ord the
minimum needs that are deemed
reasonable by the standards of the
society in which you live. This includes
Shelter, Warmth, Food, Clothing, as well
as being able to participate in everyday
social activities.”
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s (JRF) report, A Minimum
Income Standard for the United Kingdom in 2024, o昀昀ers
insights into the 昀椀nancial requirements necessary for individuals
and families to attain a socially acceptable
standard of living in the UK.
The 昀椀ndings from the JRF report highlight the urgent need to
address local challenges related to income and living standards.
Initiatives focused on increasing local wages, providing
a昀昀ordable housing, and supporting families with children are
vital in mitigating the e昀昀ects of rising living costs.9
Poverty has become a reality for many families in Milton
Keynes. Many support services and local organisations have
reported seeing families who once supported their services now
seeking support. This is evident in the increased reliance on
organisations such as Kings Church Community Centre (KCCC).
KCCC supports the local community through its many outreach
programmes, including food support and social initiatives.
It operates as part of the Milton Keynes Food Bank network,
contributing signi昀椀cantly to tackling food poverty in the region.
This analysis is particularly relevant for understanding the
economic landscape in Milton Keynes.
Its activities range from food parcel distribution to running a
top-up shop and providing hot meals through a lunch drop-in
service. The centre also o昀昀ers a welcoming space for individuals
in need of support or companionship, reinforcing community
ties and cohesion.
Key Findings from the JRF Report:
Food Bank Usage
Income Requirements for a Minimum Standard of Living:
Operating across thirteen centres in Milton Keynes, KCCC’s Food
Bank accounts for one-quarter of the city’s food bank support.
In 2018, it distributed 800 food parcels, but since the disruption
of the pandemic and the impact of the ongoing cost-of-living
crisis, the charity has seen an increase in demand. In 2023, the
charity distributed over 8,350 food parcels, an increase
of more than 943%, or nearly ten times as many, by
September 2023.
» A single person needs to earn £28,000 annually to meet
the minimum acceptable standard of living in 2024.
» A couple with two children requires a combined annual
income of £69,400.
The report highlights that while bene昀椀ts experienced an
in昀氀ation-based increase of 6.7% in April 2024, essential
costs—such as Council Tax, water, and broadband—have
risen above this rate, straining household budgets.
Milton Keynes, while noted for its economic growth, faces
signi昀椀cant income disparities and rising living costs. Milton
Keynes’ housing market has seen marked price increases,
making a昀昀ordability an issue for many residents.
As of September 2024, 5,000 parcels had already
been distributed by KCCC, with the busiest
winter months still ahead. The centre anticipates
the numbers continuing to rise, re昀氀ecting the
deepening struggles of households across the city.
Recent data indicates that the average monthly rent in Milton
Keynes has risen, further adding to the 昀椀nancial pressure on
households.
The average monthly private rent in Milton Keynes was
£1,267 in August 2024. This was an increase from £1,184
in August 2023, a 7.0% rise.8
Water Eaton Community Hub
(Source: Price Index of Private Rents from the O昀케ce for National Statistics)
Source: Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2024). A Minimum Income Standard for the United Kingdom in 2024.
[Online] Available at: www.jrf.org.uk [Accessed 4 Nov. 2024].
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Vital Signs MK - 12th Edition 2025
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