Councillor James Lancaster
Email: james.lancaster@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Council: Milton Keynes
Council Profile: View on council website
Committees:
Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
James Lancaster has demonstrated a commitment to Milton Keynes Council matters, with a clear evolution in his role and responsibilities from Councillor to Deputy Mayor and then Mayor.
Key Themes and Priorities:
- Community Improvement: A consistent focus on enhancing the quality of life for Milton Keynes residents, evident in his support for play area improvements and his mayoral themes of promoting leisure, sport, and cultural services.
- Transparency and Accountability: Demonstrated by his questioning of information presented by other councillors and his adherence to Council procedures, including declaring interests and abstaining from votes when necessary.
- Healthy Living and Community Engagement: As Mayor, he explicitly prioritized active, healthy living and supporting grassroots sports clubs and community engagement.
- Inclusion and Diversity: A key theme during his mayoral tenure, emphasizing Milton Keynes as a >
land of opportunity
and a diverse, innovative, and community-driven city.
Evolution of Focus:
In 2024, Lancaster's focus was primarily on budget oversight, transparency, and supporting community improvements through his participation in various committees and his questioning of potentially misleading information. His election as Deputy Mayor marked a shift towards a more prominent leadership role. In 2025, as Mayor, his focus broadened to encompass a wider range of community-oriented initiatives, including promoting leisure, sport, and cultural services, advocating for healthy living, and supporting local charities. He also took on the responsibilities of presiding over Council meetings and representing the city in official capacities.
Significant Contributions (Especially Recent Years):
- Mayoral Leadership (2025): As Mayor, Lancaster set clear priorities focused on community well-being, inclusion, and supporting local organizations. His selection of mayoral charities (Camphill MK, Emily's Star, and the Henry Allen Trust) reflects his commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.
- Granting Freedom of the City (2025): Formally granting Dean Lewington the Freedom of the City was a significant act, recognizing Lewington's contributions to Milton Keynes.
- Budget Oversight and Transparency (2024): His scrutiny of information presented by other councillors demonstrates a commitment to accountability and ensuring accurate information is used in decision-making.
- Support for Play Area Improvements (2024): Speaking in favor of Motion 2 highlights his dedication to improving community amenities.
Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:
Lancaster consistently demonstrates a strong interest in community well-being, transparency in governance, and supporting local initiatives. His focus has evolved from a more granular involvement in committee work to a broader leadership role as Mayor, but his underlying commitment to serving the residents of Milton Keynes remains constant.
Yearly Activity Timeline
In 2025, James Lancaster served as a Councillor and then as Mayor of Milton Keynes. As Deputy Mayor (January-May), he regularly attended council meetings, seconded procedural motions, and voted on amendments, typically aligning with his party's position. In May, he was elected Mayor, outlining his mayoral themes: >promoting leisure, sport, and cultural services; advocating for active, healthy living; and supporting grassroots sports clubs and community engagement.
He also emphasized inclusion, diversity, and culture. He chose Camphill MK as his mayoral charity, while also supporting Emily's Star and the Henry Allen Trust. As Mayor (May-December), he presided over Council meetings, approved minutes, made announcements, and moved recommendations on various topics, including Council Procedure Rules, Scrutiny Annual Reports, and electoral matters. He formally granted Dean Lewington the Freedom of the City. He also declared interests and abstained from voting on matters where he had a conflict. He expressed pride in Milton Keynes as a >land of opportunity
and a diverse, innovative, and community-driven city.
Monthly Activity in 2025
As Mayor, Councillor James Lancaster presided over the Council meeting on November 19, 2025. He approved and signed the minutes from the September 17th and September 23rd meetings. He declared an Other Registerable Interest for item 7 and had been granted a dispensation to speak and vote if he wished. He moved several recommendations, seconded by the Deputy Mayor, concerning the approval of final recommendations and consultation responses related to a reorganisation order, the approval of the Schedule of Polling Districts and Places, and agreeing in principle to the Council's participation in a flexible voting pilot at the May 2026 local elections, delegating authority for final decisions and arrangements. He abstained from voting on amendments and the substantive motion regarding Proposed Fire Service Cuts in Milton Keynes. He closed the meeting at 10.16pm.
Meetings in November 2025
Council - Wednesday 19th November, 2025 7.30 pm - 19 November 2025
Councillor James Lancaster (Mayor) presided over the Council meeting on November 19, 2025. He approved and signed the minutes from the September 17th and September 23rd meetings. He declared an Other Registerable Interest for item 7 and advised that he had been granted a dispensation by the Monitoring Officer to speak and vote on the recommendations if he wished. He moved several recommendations, all seconded by the Deputy Mayor, including those related to: the approval of final recommendations set out in Annex A of the report, noting the summary of consultation responses set out in Annex B of the report, delegating authority to the Director of Law and Governance to make final arrangements for the reorganisation order; the approval of the Schedule of Polling Districts and Places, reflecting final recommendations set out in Annex A of the report, delegating authority to the Returning Officer / Director of Law & Governance to make necessary changes to the schedule; and agreeing in principle to the Council's participation in a flexible voting pilot at the May 2026 local elections, delegating authority to the Director of Law & Governance / Returning Officer to make a final decision about the Council's proposal and participation, agree the terms for the pilot and the funding arrangements, and finalise the arrangements and enter into any required legal agreements. He abstained from voting on the Marland Amendment, the Substantive Motion, and the McLean Amendment regarding the Proposed Fire Service Cuts in Milton Keynes. He closed the meeting at 10.16pm.
As Mayor, Councillor James Lancaster presided over the Council meeting on October 22nd, 2025. He approved and signed the minutes from previous meetings and made several announcements, including those regarding MK Pride, Newport Pagnell Town Council's 40th birthday, his charity abseil, the election of new Deputy Members of Youth Parliament, and Milton Keynes Tech Week. He moved recommendations to receive the Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25, co-opt Tara Jefferies to the Standards Committee, and note the Quarterly Report on Special Urgency Decisions and the Ward Based Budgets 2025-26. Councillor Lancaster also formally declared that Dean Lewington was granted the Freedom of the City of Milton Keynes, signed the register with Dean Lewington, and presented him with an award alongside the Chief Executive. Finally, he closed the meeting.
Meetings in October 2025
Council - Wednesday 22nd October, 2025 7.30 pm - 22 October 2025
Councillor James Lancaster (Mayor) was present at the Council meeting. He approved and signed the minutes from previous meetings. He made announcements regarding MK Pride, Newport Pagnell Town Council's 40th birthday, his charity abseil, the election of new Deputy Members of Youth Parliament, and Milton Keynes Tech Week. He moved several recommendations, including:
- That the Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25 be received.
- That Tara Jefferies of Great Linford Parish Council be co-opted to the Standards Committee of Milton Keynes City Council, from 18 September 2025, for a period of 4 years.
- That the report be noted (Quarterly Report on Special Urgency Decisions).
- That the report be noted (Ward Based Budgets 2025-26).
He also formally declared that Dean Lewington was granted the Freedom of the City of Milton Keynes, signed the register with Dean Lewington alongside the Chief Executive, and made a presentation to Dean Lewington with the Chief Executive. Finally, he closed the meeting.
As Mayor, Councillor James Lancaster presided over two Council meetings in September 2025. On September 17th, he signed the minutes from the June 18th meeting and made announcements regarding Alderwoman Jan Lloyd, the International Festival, and the upcoming Freedom of the City meeting. On September 23rd, he congratulated Councillor Nayee on the birth of his son and granted permission for former Councillor Catriona Morris to address the council. A key action he undertook was formally declaring that Dean Lewington was granted the Freedom of the City of Milton Keynes. He signed the register alongside Dean Lewington and the Chief Executive, made a presentation, and then >declared the meeting closed at 7:58pm.
Meetings in September 2025
Special, Council - Tuesday 23rd September, 2025 7.30 pm - 23 September 2025
Councillor James Lancaster, in his capacity as Mayor, presided over the Council meeting. He began by congratulating Councillor Nayee and his wife on the birth of their son. He then granted permission for former Councillor and Mayor, Catriona Morris, to address the council. A key action was formally declaring that Dean Lewington was granted the Freedom of the City of Milton Keynes. Councillor Lancaster signed the register alongside Dean Lewington and the Chief Executive, and made a presentation. Finally, he declared the meeting closed at 7:58pm.
Council - Wednesday 17th September, 2025 7.30 pm - 17 September 2025
Councillor James Lancaster (Mayor) was present at the Council meeting. He signed the minutes of the Council meeting held on 18 June 2025 as a correct record. He also made announcements regarding Alderwoman Jan Lloyd, the International Festival, and the Freedom of the City meeting scheduled for 23 September.
As Mayor, James Lancaster attended the Council meeting on July 16, 2025. He approved and signed the minutes from previous meetings, including the Council meeting held on May 14, 2025, the Safer MK Partnership held on March 5, 2025, and the Policy, Performance and Scrutiny Management Committee held on April 23, 2025. He made announcements regarding the Midsummer Festival, the King's Birthday Honours, and the death of Ranjit Singh. Lancaster moved the recommendation to agree to the revised Council Procedure Rules, stating: > That revised Council Procedure Rules (shown with track changes at Annex A), be agreed.
He also voted in favor of this recommendation.
Meetings in July 2025
Council - Wednesday 16th July, 2025 7.30 pm - 16 July 2025
As Mayor, James Lancaster attended the Council meeting on July 16, 2025. He approved and signed the minutes from previous meetings, including the Council meeting held on May 14, 2025, the Safer MK Partnership held on March 5, 2025, and the Policy, Performance and Scrutiny Management Committee held on April 23, 2025. He also made announcements regarding the Midsummer Festival, the King's Birthday Honours, and the death of Ranjit Singh. Lancaster moved the recommendation to agree to the revised Council Procedure Rules, stating:
That revised Council Procedure Rules (shown with track changes at Annex A), be agreed.
He also voted in favor of this recommendation.
As Mayor of Milton Keynes, James Lancaster's activities in June 2025 centered around his inauguration and outlining his mayoral themes. He signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, acknowledging the support of his family, friends, and colleagues, and crediting his grandmother's belief in Milton Keynes as a >land of opportunity
for his move there. He announced his wife, Sophie, as the Mayoress. His key themes for the year are promoting leisure, sport, and cultural services; advocating for active, healthy living; and supporting grassroots sports clubs and community engagement. He expressed his intention to participate in the Milton Keynes half marathon and emphasized the importance of inclusion, diversity, and culture, noting his pride in being the youngest mayor in the city's history. Lancaster announced Camphill MK as his chosen charity, committing to being a vocal ambassador, and also stated he would support Emily's Star and the Henry Allen Trust. He thanked various groups and individuals for their collaboration and support. He moved recommendations regarding Changes to Scrutiny and Constitutional Arrangements, the Report on Committee Proportionality, Appointments to Committees / Sub-Committees / Groups / Panels and Other Bodies, and the Calendar of Meetings 2025/26. He was appointed to the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority and declared the meeting closed.
Meetings in June 2025
Council - Wednesday 18th June, 2025 7.30 pm - 18 June 2025
As Mayor, James Lancaster signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and acknowledged the support of his family, friends, and colleagues. He credited his grandmother's belief in Milton Keynes as a >land of opportunity
for his move there and noted that his wife, Sophie, would be the Mayoress. He outlined his themes for the year: promoting leisure, sport, and cultural services; advocating for active, healthy living; and supporting grassroots sports clubs and community engagement. He also mentioned his intention to participate in the Milton Keynes half marathon and highlighted the importance of inclusion, diversity, and culture, expressing pride in being the youngest mayor in the city's history. He thanked the Labour Group, local Labour MPs, and Conservative and Liberal Democrat colleagues for their collaboration, as well as the former Mayor, Councillor Marie Bradburn, and the Mayor's office team. He announced Camphill MK as his chosen charity, praising their work and committing to being a vocal ambassador, and also stated he would support Emily's Star and the Henry Allen Trust. He expressed his pride and optimism for Milton Keynes' future as a diverse, innovative, and community-driven city. He moved recommendations regarding Changes to Scrutiny and Constitutional Arrangements, the Report on Committee Proportionality, Appointments to Committees / Sub-Committees / Groups / Panels and Other Bodies, and the Calendar of Meetings 2025/26. He was appointed to the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority and declared the meeting closed at 10.25pm.
In May 2025, James Lancaster was elected Mayor of Milton Keynes for the 2025/26 Council Year. He delivered an address outlining his themes for the year: promoting leisure, sport, and cultural services; advocating for active, healthy living; and supporting grassroots sports clubs and community engagement. He expressed his intention to participate in the Milton Keynes half marathon and highlighted the importance of inclusion, diversity, and culture. Lancaster thanked various individuals and groups for their support, including the Labour Group, local MPs, and his predecessor, Councillor Marie Bradburn. He announced Camphill MK as his chosen charity, praising their work with adults with learning disabilities and autism, and committed to supporting Emily’s Star and the Henry Allen Trust. He expressed pride and optimism for Milton Keynes' future, describing it as a diverse, innovative, and community-driven city.
During the Annual Council meeting, Lancaster voted in favor of the Marland amendment and the substantive motion regarding changes to Scrutiny and Constitutional Arrangements, and against the Muzammil amendment. He moved the recommendations regarding the Report on Committee Proportionality, Appointments to Committees / Sub-Committees / Groups / Panels and Other Bodies, and the Calendar of Meetings 2025/26. He is listed as a Labour appointment to the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority. He also declared the meeting closed.
Lancaster was present at the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting on May 14th, but the minutes do not indicate any specific statements or actions taken by him during that meeting.
Meetings in May 2025
Annual, Council - Wednesday 14th May, 2025 7.30 pm - 14 May 2025
James Lancaster was elected Mayor of Milton Keynes for the Council Year 2025/26. He signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and delivered an address in which he:
- Acknowledged the support of his family, friends, and colleagues.
- Credited his grandmother’s belief in Milton Keynes as a “land of opportunity” for his decision to move there.
- Noted that his wife, Sophie, would be the Mayoress for 2025/26.
- Advised that his themes for the year would be: promoting leisure, sport, and cultural services; advocating for active, healthy living; and supporting grassroots sports clubs and community engagement.
- Noted his plans to participate in the Milton Keynes half marathon.
- Highlighted the importance of inclusion, diversity and culture and that he was proud to be the youngest mayor in the city’s history.
- Thanked the Labour Group for their support and acceptance, local Labour MP’s and Conservative and Liberal Democrat colleagues for their collaboration.
- Thanked the former Mayor, Councillor Marie Bradburn, for her mentorship and acknowledged the support from the Mayor’s office team.
- Advised that his chosen charity for the year would be Camphill MK and praised their work supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism and committed to being a vocal ambassador for their cause. He also noted that he would support Emily’s Star and the Henry Allen Trust.
- Noted that Milton Keynes was a diverse, innovative and community driven city and he had pride and optimism for its future.
He voted in favor of the Marland amendment and the substantive motion regarding changes to Scrutiny and Constitutional Arrangements, and against the Muzammil amendment. He moved the recommendations regarding the Report on Committee Proportionality, Appointments to Committees / Sub-Committees / Groups / Panels and Other Bodies, and the Calendar of Meetings 2025/26. He is listed as a Labour appointment to the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority. He declared the meeting closed.
Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 14th May, 2025 9.00 pm - 14 May 2025
James Lancaster was present at the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting on May 14th, 2025. However, the minutes do not indicate that he made any statements or took any specific actions during the meeting.
During April 2025, Councillor James Lancaster attended both the Planning Committee meeting on April 3rd and the Regulatory Sub Committee meeting on April 22nd. However, the available documentation does not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action at either meeting.
Meetings in April 2025
Regulatory Sub Committee - Tuesday 22nd April, 2025 6.00 pm - 22 April 2025
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Regulatory Sub Committee meeting on April 22, 2025. However, the minutes do not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
Planning Committee - Thursday 3rd April, 2025 7.00 pm - 3 April 2025
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Planning Committee meeting on April 3rd, 2025. However, the available documentation does not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
During March 2025, Councillor James Lancaster attended three council meetings. On March 13th, he attended the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting, but the records do not indicate he spoke or took any specific action. At the Council meeting on March 19th, in his capacity as Deputy Mayor, he seconded a procedural motion to suspend Council Procedure Rule 13.6(a) for dealing with a Liberal Democrat Amendment. He also voted against several amendments, including the McLean Amendment, Liberal Democrat Group Amendments B and C, and Conservative Amendments A through I, and voted for the substantive motion. He also attended a Special Council meeting on March 19th, but the minutes do not record him speaking or taking any specific action.
Meetings in March 2025
Council - Wednesday 19th March, 2025 7.30 pm - 19 March 2025
James Lancaster, in his role as Deputy Mayor, attended the Council meeting on March 19, 2025. He seconded a procedural motion moved by the Mayor to suspend Council Procedure Rule 13.6(a) for dealing with Liberal Democrat Amendment D. He voted against a number of amendments, including the McLean Amendment, Liberal Democrat Group Amendments B and C, and Conservative Amendments A through I. He voted for the substantive motion.
Special, Council - Wednesday 19th March, 2025 7.00 pm - 19 March 2025
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Council meeting on March 19, 2025. However, the minutes do not record him speaking or taking any specific action during the meeting.
Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 13th March, 2025 7.00 pm - 13 March 2025
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting on March 13, 2025. However, the available documentation does not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
During February 2025, Councillor James Lancaster attended meetings of the Planning Committee (February 6th), the Regulatory Committee (February 12th), and the Licensing Committee (February 12th). The records indicate he did not speak or take any specific actions at these meetings. At the Budget Council meeting on February 19th, as Deputy Mayor, he seconded the procedural motion: >“That in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 21.1 Council Procedure Rule 13.6(a) (deadlines for amendments/changes to amendment) be suspended for the purposes of dealing with Liberal Democrat Amendment D only.” He also voted against several amendments proposed by McLean, the Liberal Democrat Group, and the Conservative Party, and voted for the substantive motion.
Meetings in February 2025
Budget, Council - Wednesday 19th February, 2025 7.30 pm - 19 February 2025
As Deputy Mayor, James Lancaster seconded the procedural motion:
“That in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 21.1 Council Procedure Rule 13.6(a) (deadlines for amendments/changes to amendment) be suspended for the purposes of dealing with Liberal Democrat Amendment D only.”
He voted against a number of amendments, including those proposed by McLean, the Liberal Democrat Group (Street Signs, Sheltered Housing), and the Conservative Party (Glebe Farm School, All Out Elections, Potholes, Exemption for Places of Worship Green Bin Charges, Household Waste Facilities, Youth Services, School Transport Delivery for post 16 SEND Pupils, Sheltered Housing, Reinstate the Shopper Bus). He voted for the substantive motion.
Regulatory Committee - Wednesday 12th February, 2025 6.51 pm - 12 February 2025
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Regulatory Committee meeting on February 12th, 2025. However, the minutes do not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
Licensing Committee - Wednesday 12th February, 2025 6.30 pm - 12 February 2025
James Lancaster was present at the Licensing Committee meeting on February 12th, 2025. However, the minutes do not record him speaking or taking any specific actions during the meeting.
Planning Committee - Thursday 6th February, 2025 7.00 pm - 6 February 2025
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, February 6th, 2025. However, the provided documents contain no record of him speaking or taking any specific actions during the meeting.
Councillor James Lancaster attended the Council meeting on January 22nd, 2025. However, the available records do not indicate any specific statements or actions taken by him during the meeting.
Meetings in January 2025
Council - Wednesday 22nd January, 2025 7.30 pm - 22 January 2025
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Council meeting on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025. However, the available documents do not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
In 2024, Councillor James Lancaster actively participated in Milton Keynes Council matters, demonstrating a focus on budget oversight, transparency, and community improvements. He consistently attended council and committee meetings, including the Licensing Committee, Planning Committee, Regulatory Committee, and Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee. Lancaster voted in favor of the Council Budget 2024/25 and MTFP 2024/25 to 2027/28 at both the Budget Council and Council meetings in February and March. He raised questions regarding the accuracy of information presented by other councillors, specifically challenging Councillor Verma about a Conservative campaign leaflet: >with regard to a Conservative campaign leaflet distributed in the Tattenhoe Ward, was the photo used for the community litter pick at least four years old and what would he say to a resident if they were scrutinising data that was four years old?
and followed up with >for transparency, when was the last litter pick that he was involved in?
He also spoke in favor of Motion 2 - Play Area Improvements Across Milton Keynes. A significant event was his election as Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes for the 2024/25 Council year, and he seconded motions related to committee appointments, proportionality, and the calendar of meetings. In July, he emphasized the need for individual evaluation of planning applications and questioned the viability evidence presented. He submitted apologies for his absence from the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held on December 6, 2023, and the Regulatory Committee meeting held on December 11, 2024.
Monthly Activity in 2024
Councillor James Lancaster was absent from the Regulatory Committee meeting held on December 11, 2024, and submitted apologies.
Meetings in December 2024
Regulatory Committee - Wednesday 11th December, 2024 6.40 pm - 11 December 2024
Councillor James Lancaster was absent from the Regulatory Committee meeting held on December 11, 2024, and submitted apologies. Apologies were also recorded for him at the Regulatory Committee meeting held on Wednesday 25 September 2024.
Councillor James Lancaster served as a member of the Licensing Sub-Committee during the meeting held on October 14th, 2024. However, the available documentation does not provide any specific details regarding statements made or actions taken by him during this meeting.
Meetings in October 2024
Licensing Sub Committee - Monday 14th October, 2024 6.15 pm - 14 October 2024
Councillor James Lancaster was a member of the Licensing Sub-Committee for the meeting on October 14th, 2024. However, the available documentation does not indicate any specific statements or actions taken by him during the meeting.
During September 2024, Councillor James Lancaster attended four council meetings: the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee (September 11), the Council meeting (September 18), the Licensing Committee (September 25), and the Regulatory Committee (September 25). While he was present at all four meetings, the provided documentation does not indicate that he spoke or took any specific actions during the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee, Council, or Licensing Committee meetings. He is a member of the Regulatory Committee and was present at the September 25th meeting, but no specific actions or statements are attributed to him in the provided records for that meeting either.
Meetings in September 2024
Licensing Committee - Wednesday 25th September, 2024 7.30 pm - 25 September 2024
James Lancaster was present at the Licensing Committee meeting held on Wednesday 25th September, 2024. However, there is no indication in the provided documents that he spoke or took any specific actions during the meeting.
Regulatory Committee - Wednesday 25th September, 2024 7.56 pm - 25 September 2024
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Regulatory Committee meeting on September 25, 2024. He is a member of the Regulatory Committee. Records indicate he was also present at a previous meeting on May 15, 2024, where Councillor Priestley was appointed Chair, and Councillors McLean and Trendall were appointed Vice-Chairs of the Regulatory Committee for the Council Year 2024/25.
ADJOURNED, Council - Wednesday 18th September, 2024 7.30 pm - 18 September 2024
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Council meeting on September 18, 2024. However, the available documentation does not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 11th September, 2024 7.00 pm - 11 September 2024
The provided documents indicate Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. However, the documents do not contain any specific statements or actions attributed to him during the meeting. The reports pack lists him as present at a meeting on May 15, 2024, and as having sent apologies for a meeting on February 8, 2024, but these are not relevant to the September 11, 2024 meeting.
During the July 18th Planning Committee meeting, Councillor James Lancaster stressed the need for individual evaluation of planning applications. He also voiced concerns about the viability evidence presented, stating that the figures provided were insufficient.
Meetings in July 2024
Planning Committee - Thursday 18th July, 2024 7.00 pm - 18 July 2024
Councillor James Lancaster emphasized the importance of evaluating planning applications individually. He also expressed concerns regarding the evidence of viability presented, suggesting that the figures provided were insufficient.
During June 2024, Councillor James Lancaster attended two council meetings. At the Planning Committee meeting on June 6th, he inquired about the timing of additional written representation. At the Council meeting on June 19th, he was elected Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes City for the 2024/25 council year. He also seconded several motions moved by the Mayor, including those related to:
- Receiving the Returning Officer's Report following the Elections held on 2 May 2024 (>
That the report of the Returning Officer following the Elections held on 2 May 2024 be received.
) - Noting the percentage of seats on the Council’s Committees allocated to the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat Groups (>
That, in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, the Council note that the Conservative Group is entitled to 15.79% of the seats on the Council’s Committees, the Labour Group is entitled to 52.63% of the seats and the Liberal Democrat Group is entitled to 31.58% of the seats on the Council.
) - Approving committee allocations, appointments, dissolving the Housing, Planning and Placemaking Scrutiny Committee, renaming several scrutiny committees, noting changes to scrutiny procedure rules, agreeing to an executive-scrutiny protocol, appointing all members as substitutes, and agreeing to exempt certain panels from political balance provisions (> "1. That the following be agreed: a) the allocation of Committee / Sub-Committee / Group / Panel seats to Political Groups as set out at Annex A of the report; and b) appointments to Committees / Sub-Committees / Groups / Panels and Other Bodies as set out in Annex B.
- That authority be delegated to the Director – Law and Governance, (upon the written instruction of the appropriate Group Leader and in consultation with the Leaders of other Political Groups) to make amendments to membership of the Council’s Committees / Sub-Committees / Groups / Panels and Other Bodies.
- That Housing, Planning and Placemaking Scrutiny Committee be dissolved.
- That the following committees be renamed as set out below and that revised Terms of Reference, alongside consequential amendments to the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules be subsequently reviewed and approved by full Council in June: a) Environment & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee – Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee; b) Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee – Health, Housing and Adults Scrutiny Committee; and c) Corporate Oversight and Scrutiny Management Committee – Policy, Performance and Scrutiny Management Committee.
- That Council notes: a) that an additional task and finish group (up to 3 concurrently, from 2) will be supported / resourced for 2024/25; b) the changes to Overview and Scrutiny Procedure rules agreed in 2023, which provide for each scrutiny committee to schedule an additional ordinary meeting should the work programme require it; and c) the intention of the executive to develop an executive-scrutiny protocol (in line with recent statutory guidance) with the input of Policy, Performance and Scrutiny Management Committee.
- That the Council agree to appoint all members of the Council (with the exception of Cabinet members to the Audit Committee and Scrutiny Committees), as substitutes to all bodies listed above, noting the requirement for councillors to be trained before participating in meetings of the Audit Committee, Planning Committee, Licensing Committee and Regulatory Committee.
- That the Council: a) agree the exemption of the Chief Officer Appointments Panel and Statutory Officer Disciplinary Panel from the political balance provisions in the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990; and b) delegate authority to the Chief Executive or Director of Law and Governance (in consultation with and in line with the wishes of the Leaders of Political Groups), to appoint a panel of 5 or 3 members as set out at paragraph 2.3.")
- Approving the Calendar of Meetings for 2024/25 (> "1. That the Calendar of Meetings for 2024/25, be agreed.
- That authority be delegated to the Director of Law and Governance to make amendments to the calendar of meetings, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chairs of the relevant body.")
Finally, he was appointed to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, the Licensing Committee, the Planning Committee, and the Regulatory Committee.
Meetings in June 2024
Council - Wednesday 19th June, 2024 7.30 pm - 19 June 2024
Councillor James Lancaster was elected Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes City for the Council year 2024/25. He seconded several motions moved by the Mayor, including:
- Receiving the Returning Officer's Report following the Elections held on 2 May 2024. > “That the report of the Returning Officer following the Elections held on 2 May 2024 be received.”
- Noting the percentage of seats on the Council’s Committees allocated to the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat Groups. > “That, in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, the Council note that the Conservative Group is entitled to 15.79% of the seats on the Council’s Committees, the Labour Group is entitled to 52.63% of the seats and the Liberal Democrat Group is entitled to 31.58% of the seats on the Council.”
- Approving committee allocations, appointments, dissolving the Housing, Planning and Placemaking Scrutiny Committee, renaming several scrutiny committees, noting changes to scrutiny procedure rules, agreeing to an executive-scrutiny protocol, appointing all members as substitutes, and agreeing to exempt certain panels from political balance provisions. > “1. That the following be agreed: > a) the allocation of Committee / Sub-Committee / Group / Panel seats to Political Groups as set out at Annex A of the report; and > b) appointments to Committees / Sub-Committees / Groups / Panels and Other Bodies as set out in Annex B. > 2. That authority be delegated to the Director – Law and Governance, (upon the written instruction of the appropriate Group Leader and in consultation with the Leaders of other Political Groups) to make amendments to membership of the Council’s Committees / Sub-Committees / Groups / Panels and Other Bodies. > 3. That Housing, Planning and Placemaking Scrutiny Committee be dissolved. > 4. That the following committees be renamed as set out below and that revised Terms of Reference, alongside consequential amendments to the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules be subsequently reviewed and approved by full Council in June: > a) Environment & Public Realm Scrutiny Committee – Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee; > b) Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee – Health, Housing and Adults Scrutiny Committee; and > c) Corporate Oversight and Scrutiny Management Committee – Policy, Performance and Scrutiny Management Committee. > 5. That Council notes: > a) that an additional task and finish group (up to 3 concurrently, from 2) will be supported / resourced for 2024/25; > b) the changes to Overview and Scrutiny Procedure rules agreed in 2023, which provide for each scrutiny committee to schedule an additional ordinary meeting should the work programme require it; and > c) the intention of the executive to develop an executive-scrutiny protocol (in line with recent statutory guidance) with the input of Policy, Performance and Scrutiny Management Committee. > 6. That the Council agree to appoint all members of the Council (with the exception of Cabinet members to the Audit Committee and Scrutiny Committees), as substitutes to all bodies listed above, noting the requirement for councillors to be trained before participating in meetings of the Audit Committee, Planning Committee, Licensing Committee and Regulatory Committee. > 7. That the Council: > a) agree the exemption of the Chief Officer Appointments Panel and Statutory Officer Disciplinary Panel from the political balance provisions in the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990; and > b) delegate authority to the Chief Executive or Director of Law and Governance (in consultation with and in line with the wishes of the Leaders of Political Groups), to appoint a panel of 5 or 3 members as set out at paragraph 2.3."
- Approving the Calendar of Meetings for 2024/25. > “1. That the Calendar of Meetings for 2024/25, be agreed. > 2. That authority be delegated to the Director of Law and Governance to make amendments to the calendar of meetings, in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chairs of the relevant body.”
He was also appointed to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, the Licensing Committee, the Planning Committee, and the Regulatory Committee.
Planning Committee - Thursday 6th June, 2024 7.00 pm - 6 June 2024
Councillor James Lancaster attended the Planning Committee meeting on June 6, 2024. He asked a question regarding the timing of the receipt of additional written representation. The Senior Governance Officer responded that the additional written representation was received at 11:23 on Wednesday, June 5th, and questions of clarification from the objector were received at 18:07 on the same day.
He was also present at the Planning Committee meeting on May 15, 2024, but no specific statements or actions are attributed to him during that meeting.
During May 2024, Councillor James Lancaster actively participated in several Milton Keynes Council meetings. He was elected as the Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes for the 2024/25 Council year. He also seconded motions regarding the Returning Officer's Report, the Report on Committee Proportionality, Appointments to Committees, and the Calendar of Meetings 2024/25. He is a member of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, the Licensing Committee, the Planning Committee, and the Regulatory Committee, though he did not speak at those committee meetings. At the Annual Council meeting, Councillor Lancaster questioned Councillor Verma about a Conservative campaign leaflet, asking:
with regard to a Conservative campaign leaflet distributed in the Tattenhoe Ward, was the photo used for the community litter pick at least four years old and what would he say to a resident if they were scrutinising data that was four years old?
He followed up with:
for transparency, when was the last litter pick that he was involved in?
Finally, the Council heard from Councillor Lancaster on Motion 2 - Play Area Improvements Across Milton Keynes.
Meetings in May 2024
Annual, Council - Wednesday 15th May, 2024 7.30 pm - 15 May 2024
At the Council meeting on May 15, 2024, Councillor James Lancaster was present and actively participated in several items. He was nominated and elected as the Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes for the Council year 2024/25. He seconded motions regarding the Returning Officer's Report, the Report on Committee Proportionality, Appointments to Committees, and the Calendar of Meetings 2024/25. He is also listed as a member of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, the Licensing Committee, the Planning Committee, and the Regulatory Committee.
During the meeting, Councillor Lancaster questioned Councillor Verma regarding a Conservative campaign leaflet distributed in the Tattenhoe Ward:
with regard to a Conservative campaign leaflet distributed in the Tattenhoe Ward, was the photo used for the community litter pick at least four years old and what would he say to a resident if they were scrutinising data that was four years old?
He followed up with a supplementary question:
for transparency, when was the last litter pick that he was involved in?
Finally, the Council heard from Councillor Lancaster on Motion 2 - Play Area Improvements Across Milton Keynes.
Regulatory Committee - Wednesday 15th May, 2024 9.00 pm - 15 May 2024
James Lancaster was present at the Regulatory Committee meeting on May 15th, 2024. However, the provided minutes do not record him as speaking or taking any specific actions during the meeting.
Planning Committee - Wednesday 15th May, 2024 9.00 pm - 15 May 2024
James Lancaster was present at the Planning Committee meeting on May 15th, 2024. However, the minutes do not record any specific statements or actions made by him during the meeting.
Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 15th May, 2024 9.00 pm - 15 May 2024
James Lancaster was present at the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee meeting on May 15, 2024. However, the minutes do not record any specific actions or statements made by him during the meeting.
Licensing Committee - Wednesday 15th May, 2024 9.00 pm - 15 May 2024
James Lancaster was present at the Licensing Committee meeting on May 15, 2024. However, the minutes do not record him as saying or doing anything during the meeting.
During March 2024, Councillor James Lancaster attended the Budget & Resources Scrutiny Committee meeting on March 12th, where he was present but not recorded as speaking or taking action. At the Council meeting on March 13th, he voted FOR the Substantive Motion regarding the Council Budget 2024/25 and MTFP 2024/25 to 2027/28. He questioned Councillor Verma about a Conservative campaign leaflet, asking: >with regard to a Conservative campaign leaflet distributed in the Tattenhoe Ward, was the photo used for the community litter pick at least four years old and what would he say to a resident if they were scrutinising data that was four years old?
He followed up with the supplementary question: >for transparency, when was the last litter pick that he was involved in?
Councillor Lancaster also spoke on Motion 2 - Play Area Improvements Across Milton Keynes. He submitted apologies for his absence from the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held on December 6, 2023, which was noted at the March 26th meeting.
Meetings in March 2024
Corporate Parenting Panel - Tuesday 26th March, 2024 6.30 pm - 26 March 2024
Councillor James Lancaster submitted apologies for their absence from the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Council - Wednesday 13th March, 2024 7.30 pm - 13 March 2024
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Council meeting on March 13, 2024. He voted FOR the Substantive Motion regarding the Council Budget 2024/25 and MTFP 2024/25 to 2027/28. He questioned Councillor Verma about a Conservative campaign leaflet distributed in the Tattenhoe Ward, specifically asking:
with regard to a Conservative campaign leaflet distributed in the Tattenhoe Ward, was the photo used for the community litter pick at least four years old and what would he say to a resident if they were scrutinising data that was four years old?
He followed up with a supplementary question:
for transparency, when was the last litter pick that he was involved in?
Councillor Lancaster also spoke on Motion 2 - Play Area Improvements Across Milton Keynes.
Budget & Resources Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 12th March, 2024 7.00 pm - 12 March 2024
James Lancaster was present at the Budget & Resources Scrutiny Committee meeting on March 12, 2024. However, the available minutes from January 4th, January 9th, and January 16th do not record him as speaking or taking any specific actions during the meeting.
In February 2024, Councillor James Lancaster attended two council meetings. He was present at the Licensing Committee meeting on February 7th, but the records do not indicate any specific actions or statements made by him during that meeting. At the Budget Council meeting on February 21st, Councillor Lancaster voted in favor of the substantive motion concerning the Council Budget 2024/25 and MTFP 2024/25 to 2027/28.
Meetings in February 2024
Budget, Council - Wednesday 21st February, 2024 7.30 pm - 21 February 2024
Councillor James Lancaster voted in favor of the substantive motion regarding the Council Budget 2024/25 and MTFP 2024/25 to 2027/28.
Licensing Committee - Wednesday 7th February, 2024 6.30 pm - 7 February 2024
Councillor James Lancaster was present at the Licensing Committee meeting on February 7, 2024. However, the available documents do not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
68 meetings · Page 1 of 14
Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority - Wednesday 10th December, 2025 2.00 pm
Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority - Wednesday 8th October, 2025 2.00 pm
Special, Council - Tuesday 23rd September, 2025 7.30 pm
59 attendees, 4 documents, 0 media files
Decisions from Meetings
177 decisions · Page 2 of 36
Motion 4: Age Friendly Community
From: Council - Wednesday 19th November, 2025 7.30 pm - November 19, 2025
...to register as an Age-friendly Community, develop age-friendly plans based on examples like Leeds City Council, and work with local groups to create a local action plan that promotes inclusivity and reduces loneliness for all ages.
Recommendations Approved
Cabinet - 4 November 2025
From: Council - Wednesday 19th November, 2025 7.30 pm - November 19, 2025
Recommendations Approved
Motion 3: Streetlight Repairs and Resident Safety
From: Council - Wednesday 19th November, 2025 7.30 pm - November 19, 2025
Recommendations Approved
Community Safety and Serious Violence Strategy 2025-29
From: Council - Wednesday 19th November, 2025 7.30 pm - November 19, 2025
Recommendations Approved
Motion 1: New Town Taskforce Report
From: Council - Wednesday 19th November, 2025 7.30 pm - November 19, 2025
...to welcome the New Town Taskforce report naming Milton Keynes as a potential site for a new town, acknowledge the opportunities for investment and affordable housing, and support continued council involvement in planning and community engagement.
Recommendations Approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 68
Average per Month: 3.0
Decisions Recorded: 177