In 2021, for the first time, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) collected information in the Census about veteran status. On the 10th November 2022, the ONS published the first release of data about veterans in England and Wales.
The published data has brought valuable insights such as how many veterans live in England and Wales, how many live in households or communal establishments, and which regions have the highest proportion of veterans.
Further releases of veteran data are planned for 2023 and 2024 and include an overview of the UK Armed Forces veteran population by whether service was as a regular or reserve and will include analysis of veterans across demographic data such as age, sex, ethnicity, and relationship status. In addition, in 2023 there will be data releases regarding veterans' accomodation and housing, households and family structures, and data about the health and wellbeing of veterans in the UK. In 2024 and beyond, data will be released regarding veterans employment trends, financial situation, and veterans and the justice system.
This data is going to be valuable for informing service provision and support for the veteran community and will be useful for those conducting research in the sector, and marks a positive step forwards in our understanding of veterans and their needs.
Click here for more information about the current data that was released in November.
Click here for more information about future planned analysis and data releases.