Changes to Flag Flying Policy at Leicestershire County Council
A recent decision by Leicestershire County Council has stirred discussions and raised concerns among various staff groups. In its inaugural cabinet meeting, the new Reform leadership led by Dan Harrison decided to scrap the previous flag-flying policy, which had aimed to celebrate diversity and inclusion through the display of various flags. This change marks a significant shift in the council’s approach to representing different community groups and events.
New Flag Protocol Implementation
The decision to remove the established schedule for flag displays was approved during an eight-minute meeting that was singularly focused on this agenda item. The previous agreement had included a range of flags intended to honor significant cultural and historical events, such as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month, as well as Windrush Day.
Council leader Dan Harrison expressed that the reasoning behind the new policy was to "celebrate British values that unite us all." He articulated a desire to emphasize national identity, heritage, and culture while streamlining the flag-flying protocol to align with these values.
Staff Response and Concerns
Despite these proclamations, many council staff members expressed apprehensions regarding the abrupt decision. Various employee groups, including LGBTQ+, disabled, and BAME representatives, issued a joint letter criticizing the lack of consultation prior to the announcement. They noted that they felt sidelined and that the short notice hampered their ability to voice the concerns and needs of their communities effectively.
The representatives underscored that they comprise over 400 council staff members, highlighting the significance of considering employee morale when enacting policies that may appear exclusionary. The letter further stressed the importance of flying flags as a representation of the Public Sector Equality Duty, a legal obligation aimed at fostering good relations among individuals who share protected characteristics and those who do not.
Details of the New Policy
Under the new regulations, the Union flag and the county council’s own flag will be permanently displayed on two of the three flagpoles at County Hall. The third pole will typically feature the St George’s flag but may be swapped out for the Lord Lieutenant’s flag when they are present. Additionally, there is a potential for a fourth flagpole in the quadrangle to display flags for specific commemorative events like Armed Forces Day and Commonwealth Day.
Decisions regarding the display of other flags will now rest with the council chief executive, John Sinnott, who will make determinations in discussions with the council leader.
Opposition and Public Reaction
The response from opposition figures has been equally vocal. Deborah Taylor, the leader of the Conservative group in the council, called the cabinet meeting related to the new policy “very strange.” She emphasized that staff voices deserve consideration and lamented that their commitment to serving Leicestershire residents was not adequately acknowledged in this decision-making process.
Harrison acknowledged the importance of addressing these concerns and pledged to meet with staff representatives to facilitate further discussion about the implications of the new flag policy. This engagement could pave the way for a more inclusive dialogue moving forward.
In summary, the changes to the flag-flying policy at Leicestershire County Council encapsulate a broader tension between national values and community representation. As the council moves forward under a new administration, the ongoing dialogue among staff, leaders, and community advocates will be essential in shaping a direction that addresses the diverse voices within the county.
