Milton Keynes City Council and Santander UK have announced plans for a year-long engagement exercise with local residents to understand the challenges they face in improving energy efficiency in their homes.
The partnership will see MK City Council and Santander will work together to survey 500 Milton Keynes residents to identify the barriers they’re facing to improving the energy efficiency of their homes.
The two will then join forces to create a citizen’s panel to understand what can be done to make the homes in Milton Keynes warmer and more efficient.
MK City Council said in their statement, “New research from Santander UK highlights growing public interest in energy efficiency, with 52% of UK residents now considering it a top priority, up from 37% in 2023.
“However, Santander’s latest ‘Tomorrow’s Homes’ report also identifies key barriers preventing people from making improvements— with the upfront cost being the main concern. Delving deeper into these hurdles for the local Milton Keynes population – in the first survey of its kind – will be used by MK City Council to shape future sustainability initiatives and support the development of a local retrofitting ecosystem, as well as understanding climate resilience needs. This builds on work the City Council already has underway, including its partnership with MK Community Energy who provide advice for residents.”
The collaboration would see the City Council work with the Spanish-based multinational bank, whose UK headquarters is based in Central Milton Keynes.
Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Cllr Shanika Mahendran, said, “We know that many people want to make their homes energy-efficient but face financial and practical barriers. By working with Santander, we can better understand these challenges and create real solutions that support local people, to build on and improve existing practical support we offer.
“We’re working to make Milton Keynes a world-leading sustainable city and it’s partnerships like these that help us achieve our goals and ensure our city continues to go from strength to strength.”
Fiona Hyde, Head of Sustainability, Santander, added, “Our research shows that despite the desire to reduce their impact on the environment, UK residents are facing real barriers to acting and improving their homes’ energy efficiency. We designed our own building in Milton Keynes, Unity Place, with sustainability at its heart and we’re now looking forward to working with the local council to unpick the struggles faced by residents, and work to find specific ways to address them to support our neighbours.”
The research project funded by Santander connects the two organisations and supports MK City Council’s wider ambitions to create a more sustainable city.
Santander officially opened Unity Place, its Head Office in Milton Keynes in September 2023, a BREEAM accredited building which incorporates air-sourced heat pumps and solar panels, reducing grid consumption. Since opening, the bank has also introduced a number of sustainable catering partners to minimise waste, and found ways to maximise the resources available, for example through collecting rooftop rainwater to use as wastewater throughout the building.
The Casino MK at XScape in Central Milton Keynes has been closed after their parent company entered administration.
Casino operating firm Aspers Group Limited entered administration earlier this week, with the company calling in administrators to oversee a potential sale of sites including the one in Milton Keynes.
The Casino MK had previously put an update on social media earlier this week confirming the closure of the location.
In a brief statement, they said, “We’re sorry but The Casino MK is currently closed. Please check back here for more information about reopening in due course.”
A further statement reposted on the Casino MK’s website then confirmed the closure while a potential transaction is pursued.
The statement read, “Andrew James Johnson, Matthew Boyd Callaghan and Shamil Malde of FTI Consulting LLP (“FTI”) have been appointed as joint administrators (“Administrators”) of Aspers UK Holdings Limited – in administration, and certain subsidiaries as listed at Schedule 1 (collectively, the “Companies” or “Aspers”) on 8 April 2025.
“Trading operations at Aspers (Milton Keynes) Limited have been suspended while the Administrators pursue a potential transaction. Further updates will be provided in due course.
“If you would like to speak to the Administrators’ staff, you can do so by contacting [email protected].”
First opened in September 2013, The Casino MK featured a wide assortment of games including poker, roulette and slot machines, as well as live music, a bar and restaurants.
It is as yet unclear how long the process that would see the casino re-opened under a new operator will take place.
Aspers had previously operated a casino in nearby Northampton, which was sold in 2024 and has since been taken over by rival casino brand Grosvenor.
Universal Studios have announced plans to build a theme park on land between Milton Keynes and Bedford, which have been backed by the British government.
The news was confirmed in a joint statement by the international theme park brand and the government earlier today (10/04), with plans to open a theme park by 2031, subject to planning permission.
Plans to build the multi-billion pound site have been circulated for just over year and a half, with the proposals intending to build the theme park on the site of a former brickworks near to Kempston and Stewartby, just to the south-west of Bedford and the north-east of Milton Keynes.
The proposals will fill a site over 475 acres, with the site being Universal’s first ever branded theme park in Europe to go with sites it operates in North America and Eastern Asia.
Plans include a 500-room hotel, a retail, dining and entertainment complex and several exhibitions, rides and attractions themed around Hollywood film and TV show properties.
In a statement, Universal Destinations and Experiences said the plan was intended to be a major economic boost to the South East England region. They said, “At opening, the theme park would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, with many more communities benefiting from apprenticeships, training and educational opportunities.”
The British government has said the plans would create around 28,000 jobs in both the construction and operation of the site, with Universal saying the site would welcome in excess of 8 million visitors a year.
Universal have said with planning permission that construction could begin next year. The company had first announced plans to build a Universal Studios theme park in the United Kingdom in December 2023, having first acquired the Bedfordshire site a few months earlier.
Local infrastructure projects proposed as part of the scheme includes the expanded construction of Wixams railway station on the Midland Mainline between London and Bedford, an additional train station on the East West Rail route between Bedford and Milton Keynes, direct slip roads from the A421 to accommodate the expected surge in road traffic, and an upgraded Manor Road.
Figures in local government were among those to back the government’s support of the programme.
Cllr Pete Marland, leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said, A green light for a world class attraction just 20 minutes from Milton Keynes unlocks major opportunities for our thriving city and will be transformative for the whole region.
“Obviously, there’s great economic potential which we’re in a strong position to make the most of, and the opening of the East West Rail line will bring even closer connections. We’ll benefit from the creation of thousands of new jobs, and city businesses can expect a significant boost to visitor numbers and spend. Development of this scale goes hand in hand with improved infrastructure alongside investment in housing, community facilities and beyond.
“We’re committed to working in partnership with Universal Studios, Government, Bedford Borough Council and neighbouring authorities, Destination Milton Keynes and other partners to maximise the benefits of the development.”
Bedford Mayor Tom Wotton said, “This is a landmark moment for Bedford Borough. Universal’s decision to proceed with its theme park and resort in the UK brings exciting opportunities to our doorstep – thousands of jobs, new training and career paths, and a huge boost for local businesses.”
Laura Church, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council, added: “I am excited about the next phase and the borough’s role in elevating the UK’s profile as a leader in the visitor economy and creative industries. With continued sustainable growth, Bedford Borough is poised to become a must-visit destination and a prime hub for business investment, driving growth for our community.
“At opening, Universal will be one of the largest employers in the region, and it is expected that approximately 80% of employees will come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes. We have been working closely with Universal Destinations & Experiences for over two years, in partnership with national Government and regional stakeholders, and it’s great to see the progress made today.”
Milton Keynes City Council have warned illegal street traders that they could face fines of up to £1,000 per sale and is urging residents to report any concerns.
Street Trading laws are in place to protect consumers, and traders must meet strict requirements, including DBS checks, food registration certificates, and compliance with waste disposal and safety regulations.
Recent enforcement action saw a trader fined £3,848 after being caught trading illegally near the National Bowl during the day of a music event at the venue, attempting to profit from event-goers.
The city council, working closely with Thames Valley Police, continue to take action against unlicensed traders, including those selling food, vapes, and counterfeit goods. The teams have been working together to tackle the anti-social element of car cruising and static meets, particularly in the Network Rail car park on Grafton Street. Licensing officers have been called on multiple occasions to deal with illegal traders at the location.
Unlicensed trading is strictly prohibited in car parks and on roads in the city centre and even on any private land with public access.
Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, Cllr Mick Legg, said, “We’re not trying to catch people out – we welcome traders who want to provide good food for our residents. However, they must the follow the law, just like everyone else. Unlicensed street traders not only pose a risk to consumers, but also undercut the legitimate businesses who follow the rules. We’re cracking down on offenders and urge the public to report any concerns.”
Luton took a share of the points after a stoppage time equaliser earned them a 1-1 draw with Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium.
Millenic Alli scored his first Luton goal in the first minute of stoppage time, cancelling out a strike by one time Luton academy player Lewis Baker to take the Hatters a point in a relegation six pointer.
A draw means Luton remain two points from safety with five games to go, while Matt Bloomfield’s side are now on a run of five games in a row without defeat.
The Hatters arrived in Staffordshire just four points behind a Stoke City side that began the night a few places above the relegation zone, as they take part in a tight scrap to stay up in the second tier.
Luton were hoping to build on recent encouraging results, including victories in six-pointers at Cardiff and Hull as well as taking a point from promotion seekers Leeds United at the weekend.
A low-key first half saw both sides have early penalty appeals turned down before Sam Gallagher had an attempt kept out comfortably by Thomas Kaminski and Thelo Aasgaard placed a volley over the top.
Stoke then felt Carlton Morris was very fortunate not to be shown a second yellow card after a collision with home defender Ashley Phillips seconds after the restart.
The game began to open up as Alli, on for the injured Alfie Doughty, saw a shot deflected over after a touch from Ben Wilmot.
Mark McGuinness headed wide from the consequent corner before Jordan Clark had a free-kick blocked.
The Potters then had their attempts to find a breakthrough, as Wilmot was denied by Kaminski before Gallagher’s poke at goal beat Kaminski, who had slipped, but lacked sufficient direction to find the back of the net.
But Luton would fall behind in the 74th minute. The hosts won a free-kick after a foul by Gallagher and Baker, born in Luton and once of the Hatters’ academy, saw a free-kick take a big deflection off Reece Burke that sent it into the goal with Kaminski helpless.
Luton rallied, however, with Viktor Johansson forced into a save to keep out Alli and Lasse Nordas unable to convert the rebound.
An equaliser would come Luton’s way in the first minute of five added on, however. Isiah Jones’ cross ended up being helped on by Jordan Clark’s askew overhead kick to Alli, who was able to beat Johansson to equalise and in the process grab his first goal since joining Luton in January.
The result maintains Luton’s hopes of Championship survival in a frantic battle to stay in the division. Bloomfield’s side face two big games in their next outings, as they welcome out-of-form Blackburn Rovers to Kenilworth Road on Saturday before a Good Friday six-pointer away at Derby.
