Military question features in new census

The new government census will gather statistics on members of the military for the first time.

The once in a decade national survey will have a section for people to say if they are an armed forces veteran.

The inclusion follows an appeal by the Royal British Legion.

The census has been carried out every decade since 1801, which the exception of 1941, and is run by the

Office for National Statistics.

Anyone who served in the armed forces for at least one day is classed as a veteran.

Charles Byrne, director general of The Royal British Legion, said:“The inclusion of a military question within the census, added after The Royal British Legion’s successful campaign, will significantly improve our understanding of the armed forces community, which, up until now, has been limited.

“This is something we have been striving towards for many years. The RBL believes as many as one in ten people in the UK are members of the armed forces community, but there is currently very little definitive information about where they are located or what their needs may be.

“This question will have a huge impact on service personnel, veterans and their families well into the future.”

Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the ONS, added:“A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed.”

The census will take place on March 21, with homes receiving a letter featuring a unique access code.