Which Buildings Are Required To Fly The Union Flag On National Flag Flying Days?

National flag flying days are an important part of civic life in the UK: they mark significant national occasions, royal events and days of remembrance. 

However, public building managers are often unsure if they are actually required to fly the Union Flag (aka the Union Jack) on these national days. 

Understanding the difference between mandatory requirements, strong expectations and voluntary participation helps avoid confusion and inconsistency.

What are national flag flying days?

National flag flying days are dates designated by the UK Government on which the Union Flag should be flown to mark events such as royal birthdays, official anniversaries and Remembrance Day.

The Cabinet Office publishes the official list each year. While the list is advisory in many cases, it carries particular weight for certain public buildings.

Which buildings are required to fly the Union Flag?

Strictly speaking, there is no general legal requirement forcing all buildings to fly the Union Flag on national flag flying days. However, government guidance makes clear expectations for specific categories of buildings.

The following are expected to fly the Union Flag where they have a suitable flagpole:

UK Government buildings

This includes central government offices, departments and executive agencies.

Local authority buildings

Council headquarters, town halls and civic offices are strongly expected to participate.

Courts and tribunals

Including magistrates’ courts and crown courts.

Public sector buildings with a civic function

Such as county halls and mayoral offices.

In these cases, flying the Union Flag is considered part of upholding national protocol and public representation.

Are schools, NHS buildings and emergency services required to fly the Union Flag?

Other public sector buildings are encouraged but not required to fly the Union Flag:

• Schools and academies may choose to fly the flag as part of civic education.

• NHS hospitals and trusts often participate, particularly on key royal or remembrance dates.

• Fire stations and police stations frequently fly the Union Flag, especially where a flagpole is already installed.

Participation in these settings is generally discretionary but widely regarded as good practice.

Are private businesses required to observe national flag flying days?

Private companies, including offices, retail sites, house builders and forecourts, are not required to fly the Union Flag on national flag flying days.

That said, many organisations choose to do so as a gesture of respect, community engagement or brand alignment, particularly when operating in public-facing or civic-adjacent environments.

What if a building has more than one flagpole?

Where multiple flagpoles are in place, the Union Flag should be given the position of honour. Other flags, such as local authority, regional or organisational flags, should be flown in accordance with recognised flag protocol.

Incorrect positioning or failure to fly the Union Flag on designated days can attract public complaints, even where no legal breach has occurred.

Why do consistent flag flying policies matter?

For councils, facilities managers and estates teams, having a clear internal policy for national flag flying days helps ensure consistency, avoids last-minute confusion and demonstrates professionalism.

Understanding these expectations helps organisations meet protocol, public perception and civic responsibility with confidence.