HOMEOWNERS could face a significant fine if they do not follow certain rules around flying an England flag on their property.
The Union Jack and St George’s flag have been increasingly seen lining the streets of Britain recently.
GettyAn online movement called ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ has inspired people across the UK to fly flags[/caption]
This practice has been seen as part of “Operation Raise the Colours“, where locals have been rallying to show their patriotism outside the usual sporting or special occassions.
However, there are a number of specific rules Brits should be aware of before they take to hanging up a flag at home.
And there are certain steps that need to be taken, as well as flags that people need permission to fly one in a way that is legal.
The Government outlines on its website that the flying of flags is essentially treated as “advertisements”, and therefore some need formal consent from the local planning authority.
They state that it is to “ensure the flags do not impact on safety or amenity”.
So there are also certain standard conditions which all flags must be displayed in.
However, the Government also states they do want to see more flags flown that symbolise national unity and pride.
As a result, national flags like the Union Flag and flag of the United Kingdom can be flown without needing consent.
The flags of St George, as well as the flag of St Andrew, are recognised as national flags and therefore treated as such by councils.
When flying these flags though, they must not display any advertisement or subject matter additional to the design of the flag.
This is unless it is with a black mourning ribbon when the flag or flagpole cannot be flown and half mast when appropriate to do so.
The flag of St George can only be flow with another categorised as not needing consent on the same pole.
But if this is the Union Flag, it must be flown in the superior position.
Also as the St George’s flag is considered a national flag, it can be displayed on a vertical flagpole from the roof or any part of a building.
If it is from the roof, the flag can be of any size, however if it projecting from the building it may not exceed 2 square metres in size.
Flagpoles may also not exceed 4.6 metres above ground level, and only there is a maximum of two that can be flown from a pole or projecting from a building.
Further information about the regulations around flag flying in the UK can be found under the lates Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021.
It comes with The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations from 1986 which outlines the rules of displaying flags from a vehicle.
There are additional rules for drivers wanting to display the England flag, with risks of fines around £1,000.
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