The data collected will be used to support the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring specific public services can be implemented. Support The next census will collect information on Armed Forces’ veterans for the first time, it has been announced. Details about how the 2021 census will be run have been set out in a white paper on Friday. A new question will be introduced in the digital-first census with the aim to identify those people, aged 16 and over, who are serving or have ever served in the military. The data collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will be used to support the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring specific public services can be implemented where they are needed. Democratic National Statistician John Pullinger, said: “‘The Census is for everyone; it gives us all the opportunity to stand up and be counted in democratic debate and policy decisions. “We have designed it with people at its heart and we consulted widely to ensure it meets the needs of society. “Unlike previous Censuses, it will be digital first which will make it easier to complete electronically, with help available for those who need it.” The date for the next census has been confirmed as 21 March 2021, subject to parliamentary approval. A census rehearsal will be held in October 2019 and the ONS is currently reviewing which local authority areas will be included.