Rotherham considering flag restrictions on council buildings

The choice of which flags can be flown on public buildings, and which cannot, is under review, with a new motion set to go before a town council.

Two Conservative councillors say flag-flying should be restricted to a “small set of official emblems” in Rotherham.

Tim Baum-Dixon, backed by Zachary Collingham, will put the motion to Labour-run Rotherham Council this week, arguing that the current approach to flag-flying had become “too controversial and divisive”.

The council has flown various flags on its buildings to mark international events in recent years, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said, showing solidarity with causes or recognising specific communities.

The council heard that, while many of the gestures were well-intentioned, the choice to fly certain flags had often led to disagreement, and even complaints, among residents – with the fallout taking a significant amount of officer time.

The motion claims “what was once a symbolic gesture has become a source of conflict”.

It added that inconsistent decisions on flags had “left the council open to criticism and political pressure”.

If passed, the new rules would allow just four flags to be flown on Rotherham Council buildings and sites:

• the Union flag (Union Jack)
• the England flag (St George’s Cross)
• the Yorkshire Rose
• Rotherham’s official Coat of Arms

All other flags, such as those for international awareness days, special causes, and campaigns, would no longer be permitted under the new protocol, the motion stated.

The councillors who put forward the motion said the proposals were “not a rejection of any cause or group”, adding the move was intended to avoid controversy, bring consistency, and help the council refocus its energy and resources on delivering frontline services.

The proposed changes are to be debated at the next full council meeting on 21 May, the LDRS reported.

If the motion is approved, a revised policy would be drawn up ahead of final approval by the council cabinet.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North