Trial census asks about same-sex partnerships

SAME-SEX civil partnerships will be recognised for the first time in the 168-year history of the census if proposed changes to the questions asked are adopted.

New questions on languages spoken in the home, general health, main field of study and central heating fuel are also being proposed.

A pilot census survey currently under way in 32 areas around the country and involving 10,600 households asks the question “What is your legal marital or same-sex civil partnership status?”, replacing the question, “What is your current marital status?”