Census data confirms district’s military veteran population

Newly released Census data confirms that South Kesteven is home to almost 8,700 military veterans – an estimated 7.37% of the district population.

The first recorded veteran statistics from the 2021 Census coincide with the launch of the Government’s first ever UK-wide veterans survey, prompting South Kesteven District Council to urge all military veterans and their families to use the survey to have their say.

It’s funded by the Office of Veterans’ Affairs and invites veterans to share their views and help shape the future of support services.

A spokesperson for SKDC said: “We have always known that South Kesteven has a strong veteran population, which is an incredible asset in so many ways, and is a sector that we need to bear in mind in future planning.

“Now we know the strength of that and would urge all our veterans and their families to take part in the survey, share their experiences and help to ensure that the government can adapt services to better meet their needs.

“The census results provide incredibly interesting and useful data for us as we work to support the ex-military community under our Armed Forces Covenant responsibilities.”

The survey can be found at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/veteranssurvey

It can be completed online in under 30 minutes, with any help needed to complete the survey available through the ONS dedicated helpline – 0800 085 7376.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer said: “Public services need to reflect the people they serve and so it’s really important we hear from veterans on their experiences in accessing support.

“No one knows better what it’s like to be a veteran in Britain than ex-military themselves. So I urge all ex-service personnel to take the small amount of time to fill in the first ever Veterans Survey. Your voice can help shape stepped-up services for veterans.

The 2021 Census included the first ever question about someone’s military service, with respondents aged 16 or over asked if they had served in the UK regular or reserve Armed Forces.

The ONS data and the veterans survey deliver on commitments under the Veterans Strategy Action Plan to improve the data and understanding of Britain’s veteran population, helping to better target funding and support.

The ONS will be releasing further statistical information on the veterans population next year.