Flag Protocol

Buckinghamshire Council will endeavour to mirror the approach and priorities from central government, and nationally recognised flags, in terms of the flags flown at our offices. The Council does not allow the use of flags for political purposes or for the purposes of commercial advertising.

Throughout the calendar year there are reoccurring occasions and special days which are notable within the flag protocol, see Appendix A in the attached PDF. On these days, weeks or months, flags will be flown at sites with more than flagpole, representing an event, group, or other organisation of importance.

Amendments to Appendix A will be made in line with official guidance issued from relevant government departments outlining flag arrangements for national and local government buildings, as well as in line with Council priorities. The Council may, in certain circumstances, choose to deviate from or update this protocol in circumstances where it is important to convey support for events of national or local importance. Any proposed change will be discussed on a case-by-case basis and agreed/declined by the Leader of the Council.

The following of this protocol will also ensure we adhere to the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) regulations 2007 (as amended in 2012 and in 2021).

On occasion, Members may request to be present for the raising of the flags in recognition of particular events. Where this occurs, Members will be accompanied by the appropriate flag keeper of the office in which the flag raising takes place. Any queries or requests should be sent to the Policy Team. Appendix B in the attached PDF demonstrates the flags that we expect to fly on given dates, but also includes additional flags which may be flown under particular circumstances.