Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council under criticism for plans to spend £75,000 of public money on new flags

A council leader has defended a plan to spend an estimated £75,000 on flying new flags across the county — with critics arguing the idea is a waste of money.

The Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council will spend public money on putting up 162 new Union Flags in pairs at 82 locations — including in Newark — in the coming months.

County council leader Mick Barton said: “I am pleased to announce that we have concluded a report that will give us the opportunity to erect highway banners across the county.

“Initially the banners will be used for displaying double sided Union flags. Thereafter, they will be used to support other forthcoming events like Armistice Day, Christmas and Easter events.”

The decision has drawn criticism from opposition councillors.

Sam Smith, Conservative leader of the opposition on the council, said: "I love seeing the flag of our union flying on lamp-posts, members of the public have been putting them up themselves in my division in Newark East and that's fantastic, power to the people.

“What I don’t think is appropriate is for county council to spend tax payers money to put flags up when our roads are crumbling, schools need improving, and libraries need protecting.

“My constituents need to get a bus from Balderton right into Newark and Nottingham.

“Leave the residents to do it [fly the flags], they’re doing a fantastic job and they look brilliant. Let’s prioritise spending tax payers money on prioritises on what council services should be delivered.”

Liberal Democrat councillor David Watts said: “Reform were elected on a promise to cut waste. Today’s announcement, which they tried to hide, shows that was just another lie.”

Coun Barton said there will be no compromise on public safety in the installation of the new flags and feels they are ‘good value for money’.

He added: “Displaying the national flag has the potential to strengthen community spirit and cohesion as well as marking significant national events.”

The £75,000 cost is an estimated figure, with each 2mx0.8m flag costing £100 each, a total of £16,400. The bill included £200 each on reusable brackets (£32,800 in total), about £50 per location to put the flags up and sort traffic management (£8,200) and a similar cost to eventually take them down.

That adds up to about £65,600 — with about £10,000 factored in for maintenance.
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