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Gloucestershire County Council Flag Flying Policy

1. Introduction

1.1 This Policy seeks to formalise arrangements for the flying of flags from Shire Hall, Gloucester and provide guidance for other council buildings.

1.2 Gloucestershire County Council recognises the meaning and significance attributed to flags. They are emotive symbols which can boost local and national identities and strengthen community cohesion. They are ways for communities to express feelings of joy, pride and loyalty.

1.3 On 25 March 2008, the Department for Culture Media and Sport announced that UK government buildings in England, Scotland and Wales have the freedom to fly the Union Flag at all times, if they wish to do so. This policy reflects Flying flags: a plain English guide - GOV.UK

1.4 Flags not included in this policy should not be flown from council buildings without first gaining approval from those named in 1.5.

1.5 The Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council can agree to flags being flown, in addition to those listed in 3.1.

1.6 It should be established whether the proposed date for the flying of any additional flag would conflict with that of other flags already listed and if there is the capacity to fly an additional flag at that time.

1.7 In response to a significant event/s affecting a country with whom Gloucestershire and its residents have a strong connection, their national flag should be flown, for a suitable period, from Shire Hall and other council buildings, in agreement with those listed at 1.5.

1.8 Flags shall not be flown during severe weather conditions or planned maintenance.

1.9 Flags should not be flown in a worn, damaged or soiled condition as that could be perceived as a sign of disrespect to the nations that they represent.

1.10 Flags incorporating the emblem of any religious group or political party, whether it is a party within the UK or abroad, or any flag containing any emblem or device designed to affect support for a religious group or political cause, shall not be flown from council buildings.

1.11 The council shall not allow the use of flags for the purpose of advertising.