A Silsden pensioner has described as “filth” a questionnaire sent by her landlord.

Patricia Wolsey, 71, was asked whether she was a lesbian, a transvestite or a transsexual.

Mrs Wolsey says housing trust Incommunities had no right to pose what she termed offensive questions.

She said fellow residents of sheltered housing in Gloucester Avenue, some in their 90s, were equally shocked.

The questions were part of a census sent by Incommunities to its 22,000 tenants across the district. Although the census was originally sent out in March, the Gloucester Avenue residents received their copies only last week.

Questions covered a wide range of aspects of tenants’ lives, including disabilities, race, religion, skills and personal details.

Mrs Wolsey was offended by three of the 25 questions in the census.

One asked her to describe her “sexual orientation”, asking whether she was straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual.

Another asked: “Is your gender identity the same as the gender you were assigned at birth?”

The third read: “Do you live full-time in the gender role opposite to that assigned at birth?”

Mrs Wolsey, who has lived at Gloucester Avenue for 17 years, said: “It’s disgusting. They shouldn’t ask in the first place. Is it necessary?

“I’ve had one or two questionnaires before, but this is a sick one.

“They are things you don’t talk about. We are all older ladies on this estate. Some people are over 90.”

Soon after the Keighley News approached Incommunities about the questionnaire, a member of Incommunities staff phoned Mrs Wolsey.

Mrs Wolsey said: “She said they had to know these things because homosexual people and people who are different genders need different facilities.”

An Incommunities spokesman said the same census questions were sent to all 22,000 customers.

He said: “The census form clearly states that respondents have the option of not replying to any questions that they feel are too personal.

“The census aims to gather information on our customers and their particular circumstances to enable us to best meet their needs .

“For example a customer may specify a sensory impairment and a preference for information to be sent to them in large print.

“As a caring and responsible social landlord we are committed to making sure everyone has fair and equal access to our services.”

The spokesman said the wording of questions covering sexuality and gender followed national standards and best practice.

He added: “The census was drawn up in line with guidance from national bodies, including the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Disability Rights Commission, Shelter and Stonewall and in line with the Equality Act 2006.