2021 Census to include question on the Forces

Council leaders have welcomed a move to include the Armed Forces on the Census for the first time.

The 2021 Census will include a question to provide informationonwhethersomeone has served in HM Armed Forces, following legislation passedafteracampaignledby The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland.

The decision will provide the Legion, as well as public bodies, local authorities, and other military charities with informationtoensuretheycan best meet the needs of serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Itisestimatedtherearewell over 20,000 veterans in Sunderland but little is currently known about the exact numbers, location and their needs.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Michael MordeyistheCityArmedForces Champion.

He said: “I welcome this change to include a question on the Armed Forces. This will giveadeeperunderstandingof the needs of veterans in Sunderland,helpingusensureour servicesaretailoredforserving personnel, veterans and their families.

“Sunderland Armed Forces Partnership, Armed Forces NetworkandVeteransinCrisis have already worked together to try and raise the profile of veteran's issues.

"The Clinical Commissioning Group and GP practices identify veterans and their families so that they can target specialist support, I would encourageallveteranstofillinthe Census so we can understand their needs more specifically.”

Charles Byrne, directorgeneral of The Royal British Legion, said: “The fact a military question will be in the 2021 Census will improve our understanding of the Armed Forces community.”