A £75,000 scheme by a Reform-led council to hang union flags on lamp-posts across Nottinghamshire has failed to attract a single sponsor, contradicting claims that local businesses would foot the bill. The plan, agreed in autumn 2024 by Nottinghamshire County Council—which came under Reform UK control in last year's May elections—involved attaching flags to brackets on about 180 lamp-posts and other sites.
Council justified cost as enhancing civic pride
An authority report justified the £75,000 expenditure as a means to "enhance civic pride," stating the national flag "embodies national unity and the collective values of all the peoples and communities of the United Kingdom." The scheme faced criticism over its cost, prompting Reform MP Lee Anderson, whose Ashfield constituency lies in the county and who is close to council leader Mick Barton, to post a video on social media in December 2024.
In the video, filmed alongside Barton and cabinet member James Walker-Gurley at a flag site in Ashfield, Anderson addressed critics: "There's been a few people moaning about these in … the usual third-rate media outlets, saying it's cost £75,000 and it's a waste of taxpayers' money." He added that the cost would be covered by local business sponsors, who would pay for fitting, upkeep, and maintenance, and claimed the scheme would generate a profit. "It will not cost the taxpayer a single penny," Anderson asserted.
No sponsors found after seven months
A Nottinghamshire council spokesperson confirmed that, seven months after the scheme's launch, no sponsors had come forward, leaving the council to cover the full cost. The council has faced additional controversy since Reform took over, including a dispute over banning journalists from the area's largest local newspaper, which was resolved only after a threat of legal action.
Reform UK councils typically adopt a strict flag policy, flying only the union flag, St George's flag, and relevant county or local emblems. This has led to the removal of Ukrainian flags, a decision lamented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who told the Guardian in June: "I don't want to be involved in any political things, but you know, the world is so sensitive today. Sometimes little, small mistakes can break big friendship or huge contacts."
Broader implications for council finances
The Nottinghamshire document approving the flag scheme noted that brackets could also be used to hang banners promoting local services. In his video, Anderson mentioned they would advertise for foster carers and kinship carers. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper criticised the scheme: "Turns out 30p Lee is more like £75k Lee when it comes to spending taxpayers' money. If this is how they're handling council finances, it's no wonder Reform have copied the Trumpian playbook and barred local journalists from being able to scrutinise them." Anderson was contacted for comment but did not respond.
