Flag flying policy
Wakefield Council passed a motion on 29 July 2026 which set out a consistent flag flying policy for our district.
Our Council buildings belong to every resident, regardless of background, belief, or political view.
Symbols we choose to display on them must represent all of us.
The Cross of St George, the Union Jack, the Yorkshire Flag and the Armed Forces Day flag meet that test.
These are the only flags that will be flown from public buildings owned and managed by the Council.
How flags are flown on public buildings
We fly flags on a number of public buildings across the district. This helps to mark national events, local celebrations, periods of mourning, and important community occasions.
This page explains when and why flags are flown, and the etiquette we follow when flying flags on Council buildings. This helps us to make sure flags are flown in a consistent, fair, and safe way, and that we follow national guidance when using our buildings.
Where our flags are flown
Major public buildings with permanent flagpoles include Wakefield Town Hall; County Hall, Wakefield; Ossett Town Hall; Pontefract Town Hall; Normanton Town Hall.
The flagpole at Featherstone Town Hall is managed by the Royal British Legion.
The flagpole at Castleford Civic Centre is managed by Castleford Academy Trust.
Flags flown throughout the year
The Union Flag is flown all year round on all major public buildings.
Flags flown on specific days
Mourning and Remembrance
Flags are lowered to half mast:
from the announcement of the death of the Sovereign until the funeral (On Proclamation Day, flags return to full mast)
following the death of other members of the Royal Family, in line with national protocols
At Wakefield Town Hall only, on:
Remembrance Sunday
the funeral day of a current or former Councillor
the funeral day of a fallen serviceman or woman from the district
the funeral day of a serving West Yorkshire Police Officer killed on duty
Commemorative and Celebration Days
Flags will be flown at council buildings on the following days as follows:
St George’s flag
date/period – 23 April
Armed Forces Day flag
date/period – Armed Forces Day weekend (June)
White Rose flag of Yorkshire
date/period – 1 August
We will also follow any special instructions from the Sovereign about flag flying.
Pontefract Castle
At Pontefract Castle, the Duchy of Lancaster flag is flown in recognition of the site’s historic connection to the Duchy.
The Duchy of Lancaster flag is flown on:
relevant historic and civic dates throughout the year
agreed dates linked to the heritage of Pontefract Castle
Flag etiquette
We follow established rules for raising, lowering and displaying flags. This makes sure they are treated with respect and flown safely and consistently.
General principles
flags should always be clean, undamaged and in good condition
flags will be flown in a way that makes sure they are secure, even in poor weather
flags are raised quickly and lowered slowly and respectfully
Half mast guidance
when a flag is flown at half mast, it should sit about two thirds of the way up the pole, leaving a clear space above it
flags are only lowered to half mast for the reasons set out in this policy or when instructed nationally
Order of precedence
when more than one flag is flown, the Union Flag has priority. It should be placed in the main position on the building where this applies
other flags should be flown either below or alongside the Union Flag depending on how the flag poles are arranged
Occasions when flags are not flown
we may take down flags temporarily during severe weather or for maintenance and safety reasons
we do not fly flags for commercial promotions or private events
Flying flags in other locations
Residents, businesses and community groups can fly flags on their own properties. We ask that this is done safely and respectfully, in line with relevant regulations.
Flying flags on private property
You may fly a flag on your home or business premises provided that:
the flag is flown respectfully and correctly
it does not obstruct road signs, traffic lights, or footways, or cause difficulties for people with sensory impairments
any flagpole or fixing is safe, secure and properly installed
flags are kept in good condition and are not left to become damaged or unsightly
the flag does not promote causes or organisations that could cause alarm or offence, or any proscribed organisation
the installation complies with national planning rules and requirements
Where flags cannot be flown
You may not fly flags on:
publicly owned property, unless you have the Council’s permission
private property belonging to someone else, without the owner’s consent
We follow safety rules when we put up lights, banners or decorations on lamp posts, street furniture and public buildings.
We will take down any flags straight away if they are causing road safety issues, including being put on traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.
Flags, bunting and decorations for local events
Street parties, community festivals, village fêtes and market events often use temporary decorations. These can be used where appropriate, but organisers should make sure that:
they ask permission from landowners or residents
they agree clear dates for when decorations will be put up and taken down
all decorations are installed safely and do not block or create hazards on the highway
they consider asking local ward councillors for advice and guidance
You can find more information on which flags need planning consent on the Government's Planning Portal.
Wakefield Clock Tower
We are no longer taking requests to light up the clock tower at Wakefield Town Hall.
The Council wants to use our limited resources on things that make a real difference to the lives of our residents.