Is it legal to fly an England flag at your house? All the rules explained

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.

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 occasions.

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.

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”.

And all flags must be maintained in a good condition.

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 England flag – also known as the St George flag – CAN be flown without needing consent.

In fact guidance states that ANY country’s national flag, civil ensign or civil air ensign can be displayed without permission.

The flag of St George, as well as St Andrew, are national flags and therefore treated as such by councils.

The flags of St David and St Patrick – which are not national flags – can also be flown without seeking permission.

When flying these flags, they must not display any advertisement or subject matter additional to the design of the flag.

Those in contravention of the rules face being fined.

This is unless it is with a black mourning ribbon attached to the flag or flagpole when it cannot be flown at half mast when appropriate to do so.

Any flag not on the Government list requires consent from the local planning authority before it can be flown.

The Government guidance also states that two flags can be flown from the same flagpole if both are from the accepted list.

This means that you can fly the St George flag as well as another,

You can also fly two flags if one is a permissible flag and the second follows these criteria:

house flag – displaying the name, emblem, device or trademark of the company (or person) occupying the building, or a specific event of limited duration that is taking place in the building from which the flag is flown

any sports club (but cannot include sponsorship logos)

the Rainbow flag (6 horizontal equal stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet)

specified award schemes – Eco-Schools, Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and Investors in People

the NHS flag

certain environmental awards

When the Union Flag or St George flag is one of two flags flown on the same flagpole, then it must be flown in the superior position.

It is also OK to display the England flag from the of your house.

The flag can be of any size, however if it is 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 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 latest 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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