Residents across Kent will be asked to fill in a national census later this year with three new questions.

It was 2011 when people were last quizzed on subjects such as sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity.

In addition to the usual topics, the 2021 survey will also ask about sexual orientation, gender identity and whether you have served in the armed forces.

Everyone who has been in the UK for more than three months will be asked to complete the survey on March 21.

It is hoped many will be able to complete the survey online after being posted an online access code in early March.

The census is a national data collection project, carried out across the UK every 10 years.

The first was in 1801 and the most recent was co-ordinated by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The results are used by local and national government to decide what provision is needed for schools, housing, transport, health care and more for the next 10 years.

All personal data is subject to strict protection by law and will be locked up for more than 100 years. No individual, organisation or even government agency can access information about an individual.

Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the ONS, said: “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed.

“This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes.

"That’s why it is so important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help available, and paper questionnaires for those that need them.”

Initial summaries of the census results are expected to be available within 12 months.

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