Flag flying policy

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, how requests can be made, 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 on the following days and at specific locations as follows:

Commonwealth flag

location - Wakefield Town Hall
date/period - second Monday in March

St George’s flag

location – all council public buildings
date/period – 23 April

Armed Forces Day flag

location – Wakefield Town Hall
date/period – Armed Forces Day weekend (June)

White Rose flag of Yorkshire

location – Wakefield Town Hall
date/period – 1 August

Rainbow flag

location – Wakefield Town Hall
date/period – weekend of Wakefield Pride (mid-August)

Merchant Navy (Red Ensign)

location – Wakefield Town Hall
date/period – 3 September

We will also follow any special instructions from the Sovereign about flag flying.

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

Requesting a flag to be flown

Community groups, organisations, and members of the public can ask us to fly a particular flag. Or lower a flag to half mast.

Please email the Mayor’s Office with all requests: mayor@wakefield.gov.uk. Requests must be made at least 10 working days before the date the flag is needed. The Cabinet Member who has responsibility for Property, Facilities and Health and Safety looks at each request and makes a final decision.

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 fetes 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.