Scarborough Town Council Votes to Limit Civic Building Flags

Scarborough Town Council has passed a motion seeking to limit which flags can be flown on civic buildings in the town, despite not actually being in control of any of the buildings.

The motion passed by the Reform dominated council last week states:

"This Council recognises that civic buildings and public spaces are important symbols of shared community identity. What is displayed on and around these buildings reflects the values, history, and unity of the people they serve.

While Scarborough Town Council does not have direct authority over the management of civic buildings within the town, it has a responsibility to express the views of the residents it represents.

Resolution: This Council strongly believes and overwhelmingly recommends:

That only the following flags should be flown or displayed on, within, or outside civic buildings in the town of Scarborough:

• The Union Flag (Union Jack)
• The Flag of England (St George’s Cross)
• The Flags of the historic County of Yorkshire and also North Yorkshire
• The Scarborough Town Flag, where applicable
• The Armed Forces Day Flag, in appropriate observance
• Other recognised historic British or English heritage flags, where relevant and appropriate

That civic buildings should not be used to display flags associated with political ideologies, campaign groups, or activist movements—regardless of their affiliation or intent.

This resolution is based on the following principles:

• To encourage a shared sense of pride and belonging in our national, regional, and local heritage
• To maintain the neutrality and inclusivity of civic buildings and avoid their use as platforms for political or ideological messaging
• To ensure that civic symbols represent the unity and history of the whole community, rather than the views of particular groups or causes

This Council affirms its role as a voice for the people of Scarborough and respectfully calls upon those responsible for the management of civic buildings to reflect these values in the flags they choose to display."

The newly formed town council holds it's meeting's in Scarborough Town Hall, a building which is owned and managed by North Yorkshire Council which has it's own policy on flag flying.

Reform Councillor William Stewart tabled the motion and explained why he felt it was needed.

"This council believes that civic buildings, should display flags that bring people together, flags that are inclusive, unifying, and represent our shared heritage.

That means the union flag, the Flag of England, the historic flag, and North Yorkshire flags and the Armed Forces Day flag.

These flags are not about one political view or campaign. They're about the whole community. They celebrate our history, our identity, and the pride we share in living here.

At the same time, you must be careful not to use flags that divide or represent one particular group.

Civic buildings are for everyone, and what we display on them should reflect that.

They should bring people together, not set them apart. "

The motion passed with the backing of the council's 11 Reform councillors but was opposed by all 4 councillors from other groups.

Labour Councillor Chris Clark felt the motion was meaningless given that the Town Council doesn't control any of the civic buildings in Scarborough.

"North Yorkshire Council not Reform owns the public properties. There appears considerable doubt about whether they'll agree your policy.

Isn't it nonsense to waste valuable debating time introducing a motion when you already know there is substantial doubt about whether it can ever be enacted.

The reason there are many popular flags is because there is so much in our lives to celebrate and be identified by.

This is a meaningless motion benefiting no one. Surely Scarborough people are better than this"

Independent Councillor Rich Maw also questioned why the motion had been tabled.

"While Scarborough faces real challenges housing, public services, under investment in the town centre, we're spending time debating a list of permitted flags.

This motion doesn't solve a single issue our residents face.

Civic pride isn't undermined by compassion. It's strengthened by it. When Ukraine was illegally invaded many civic buildings across the UK flew their flag. Do we now say that we wouldn't do the same again? If so, I, I fundamentally disagree.

A rigid list like this. Risks turning civic symbolism into a culture war issue. And that is not what this council should be about. 

And let's not forget, we don't even control these buildings."