The first ever UK-wide survey of veterans and their families, to better understand the unique needs of the Armed Forces community has been launched.
This survey, commissioned by the Office of Veterans’ Affairs and delivered by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), asks veterans to describe their experiences of ex-Service life and of using government services. This will help the Government to adapt support for veterans and their families.
The survey was launched alongside the release of the ONS’s Census 2021 data on the veteran population in England and Wales.
Following the Royal British Legion and PoppyScotland’s Count Them In campaign, last year was the first time a question about someone’s military service was included in the Census.
The Census showed that there were 1.85 million people (3.8%) in England and Wales who reported that they had previously served in the Armed Forces. That means that almost 1 in 25 people aged 16 or over in England and Wales was a veteran as of last year.
Additionally, the Census showed that in 2021, 1 in 14 households (7.0%, 1.7 million) had one or more persons who had served in the UK Armed Forces.
Stephen Morgan, Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, said:
“If you are ex-Forces or the family member of a veteran in Portsmouth, please fill in the first ever veterans survey.
By sharing your views and experiences, decision-makers can better understand the needs of the Armed Forces community.”
If you are ex-Forces or the family member of a veteran in Portsmouth please fill in the survey here:
