Type=image;ImageID=10640;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Cllr John Reynolds, Corporal Andy Bolus, Private Mitchell Pinson;TitleClass=strong;
It is estimated that there are currently between 6.5 million and 6.7 million members of the Armed Forces community living in the UK, representing about a 10th of the population.
However, little is currently known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group. Including new questions on the next census, due in 2021, would 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.
Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "It cannot be right that our servicemen and women, veterans and their families are effectively hidden from official statistics, and that's why we are pleased to back the call for new questions to be added to the next UK census.
"This will mean that the council and its partners will be able to plan properly and to make sure our armed forces, and especially veterans, are looked after. We count on them - so let's Count Them In."
Chris Simpkins, Director General of The Royal British Legion, said: "As a nation we promise to provide lifelong care and support for those who serve our country.
"By adding questions to the 2021 UK census, we can help public bodies and charities deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community, when and where it is needed most. We thank the City of Wolverhampton Council for adding its support to our campaign: together I'm confident that we can make the next census count for our Armed Forces community."
Residents can find out more about the campaign by visiting the campaign website, Type=links;Linkid=7542;Title=British Legion - Count Them In;Target=_blank;, or by posting their own pledge of support on social media using the #CountThemIn hashtag.
The City of Wolverhampton has signed up to the Armed Forces Community Covenant, a pledge of mutual support between the city and its Armed Forces community. Special webpages at Type=articles;Articleid=4568;Title=Help for the Armed Forces community; highlight the help that is available locally to members of the Armed Forces community and veterans.
- released: Friday 16 September, 2016