Correspondence Regarding Flags

This is a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (and where applicable, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004).



I would like to request copies of any internal or external communications, documents, or correspondence held by Lincolnshire County Council which relate to any of the following topics:



1 - "Operation Raise the Flag", or any initiative, project, or enforcement activity using that or a similar title.



2 - The affixing or installation of Union Jack or St George flags (including bunting, banners, or similar items) to lampposts, railings, or other street furniture within the parish.



3 - The painting, defacing, or marking of roads, pavements, or kerbs with red crosses or other markings intended to represent the flag of St George.



4 - Any related complaints, enforcement actions, or liaison with Lincolnshire County Council, City of Lincoln Council, or Lincolnshire Constabulary concerning the above.



For the avoidance of doubt, this request includes (but is not limited to):

- emails and attachments

- letters, memos, or meeting minutes

- reports, internal briefings, or press statements

- any photographs or work orders held by the Council



The timeframe of interest is 1 June 2025 to the date of this request.



Please provide the information in electronic form (PDF, Word, or CSV) where possible.

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you. 

1 - "Operation Raise the Flag", or any initiative, project, or enforcement activity using that or a similar title.

There are no initiatives, projects, or enforcement activity using "Operation Raise the Flag", or a similar title.

2 - The affixing or installation of Union Jack or St George flags (including bunting, banners, or similar items) to lampposts, railings, or other street furniture within the parish.

Service users are able to submit enquiries relating to this topic using FixMyStreet (FMS) or by calling the Customer Service Centre (CSC).

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) recognise that communities often wish to express national pride, celebration, or remembrance through the display of flags and decorations. We appreciate the sentiment behind these gestures and our standard practice is not to proactively remove such items from highway assets, including street lighting columns, unless they pose a safety concern. This approach reflects the need to balance community expression with the practical limitations of our resources and the importance of proportionality in our operations. LCC do not actively encourage the attachment of items to our infrastructure, but where they do not present a risk, we take a pragmatic and proportionate stance. LCC’s priority remains ensuring the safety and integrity of the highway network, while being mindful of the communities we serve. Therefore, LCC will only actively seek to remove a flag where there is a safety concern, e.g. where the flag may obstruct a sign, camera or similar attachment already fixed to the column, or a flag becomes damaged.

On the 28th of August an email was sent outlining the Councils approach to enquiries of this nature, including a statement from the Leader of the Council. An additional email was sent to the CSC on the 3rd of August reiterating the approach.

Between 24th August 2025 and 4th November 2025, the Council received 110 enquiries relating to the topics outlined in this request through FMS. These enquiries and responses are publicly visible on FMS.

3 - The painting, defacing, or marking of roads, pavements, or kerbs with red crosses or other markings intended to represent the flag of St George.

See above.

4 - Any related complaints, enforcement actions, or liaison with Lincolnshire County Council, City of Lincoln Council, or Lincolnshire Constabulary concerning the above.

No official complaints or MP letters were recorded during this period.

LCC has not undertaken any formal enforcement action in relation to these matters and has followed the approach described under point 2 when dealing with any enquiries of this nature.

Internal Communication

• Email from Assistant Director for Highways outlining the Councils approach.
• Email to CSC outlining approach when dealing with enquiries of this nature.

External Communication

• LCC’s response to enquiries of this nature are publicly visible on FMS.

  I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you. 

   

  1 - "Operation Raise the Flag", or any initiative, project, or enforcement activity using that or a similar title.

  There are no initiatives, projects, or enforcement activity using "Operation Raise the Flag", or a similar title.

  2 - The affixing or installation of Union Jack or St George flags (including bunting, banners, or similar items) to lampposts, railings, or other street furniture within the parish.

  Service users are able to submit enquiries relating to this topic using FixMyStreet (FMS) or by calling the Customer Service Centre (CSC).

  Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) recognise that communities often wish to express national pride, celebration, or remembrance through the display of flags and decorations. We appreciate the sentiment behind these gestures and our standard practice is not to proactively remove such items from highway assets, including street lighting columns, unless they pose a safety concern. This approach reflects the need to balance community expression with the practical limitations of our resources and the importance of proportionality in our operations. LCC do not actively encourage the attachment of items to our infrastructure, but where they do not present a risk, we take a pragmatic and proportionate stance. LCC’s priority remains ensuring the safety and integrity of the highway network, while being mindful of the communities we serve. Therefore, LCC will only actively seek to remove a flag where there is a safety concern, e.g. where the flag may obstruct a sign, camera or similar attachment already fixed to the column, or a flag becomes damaged.

  On the 28th of August an email was sent outlining the Councils approach to enquiries of this nature, including a statement from the Leader of the Council. An additional email was sent to the CSC on the 3rd of August reiterating the approach.

  Between 24th August 2025 and 4th November 2025, the Council received 110 enquiries relating to the topics outlined in this request through FMS. These enquiries and responses are publicly visible on FMS.

  3 - The painting, defacing, or marking of roads, pavements, or kerbs with red crosses or other markings intended to represent the flag of St George.

  See above.

  4 - Any related complaints, enforcement actions, or liaison with Lincolnshire County Council, City of Lincoln Council, or Lincolnshire Constabulary concerning the above.

  No official complaints or MP letters were recorded during this period.

  LCC has not undertaken any formal enforcement action in relation to these matters and has followed the approach described under point 2 when dealing with any enquiries of this nature.

  Internal Communication

• Email from Assistant Director for Highways outlining the Councils approach.
• Email to CSC outlining approach when dealing with enquiries of this nature.

• External Communication

• LCC’s response to enquiries of this nature are publicly visible on FMS.

Should you require the attachments mentioned above please contact customerinformationservice@lincolnshire.gov.uk with the below reference number and this can be provided.