or the first time in the history of the census, there will be a question on armed forces service after a campaign led by The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland.
The government has announced the 2021 census will now include a question to provide information on whether someone has served in HM Armed Forces.
The census
is held every 10 years and gives government and local authorities the
most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and
Wales. The information residents give will help decide how services are
planned and funded in your area.
The Royal British Legion,
which led the campaign, is at the heart of a national network offering a
range of support and services to the armed forces community. The
decision to include the question on the 2021 census will provide the
Legion, as well as public bodies, local authorities, and other military
charities with valuable information to ensure they can best meet the
needs of serving personnel, veterans and their families.
It
has been estimated that there are 2.4 million veterans currently living
in Great Britain who make up part of a wider ex-service community which
includes their spouses, partners, dependent children as well as widows
and widowers. However, little is currently known about the exact
numbers, location and needs of this significant group. Including an
armed forces question in the next census will provide public bodies,
local authorities, and charities with valuable information to ensure
they are able to deliver the best services they can for our armed forces
community.
