A £75,000 scheme to adorn Nottinghamshire's streets with Union flags has hit a snag, with no commercial sponsors stepping forward to cover the cost. This is the latest controversy to dog Reform UK's administration of the county council, which had promised that local businesses would fund the entire expense, thereby shielding taxpayers from the bill.
The scheme, which aims to attach flags to around 180 lamp-posts and other locations across Nottinghamshire, was justified as an investment in 'civic pride' by a council report. This document argued that the Union flag represents 'national unity and the collective values of all the peoples and communities of the United Kingdom'. The plan had been approved last autumn, with Reform UK's leaders claiming it would make a profit for the council.
In December, Lee Anderson, Reform MP for Ashfield, posted a video accompanied by Nottinghamshire Council leader Mick Barton and cabinet member James Walker-Gurley. They asserted that while the scheme cost £75,000, it would not burden taxpayers as local businesses would cover the costs of fitting, upkeep, and maintenance. Mr Anderson even suggested that the council might 'make a profit' from the initiative.
However, Nottinghamshire Council has now confirmed that no sponsors have been secured for the project, leaving the authority to foot the bill in full. This development raises questions about the financial planning and assumptions made by Reform UK's administration.
The council has faced other controversies under Reform UK's leadership, including a dispute over a ban on engaging with journalists from a prominent local newspaper. A ban that was only lifted after the threat of legal action. Reform UK councils often adopt strict flag policies, flying only the Union flag, St George's flag, and relevant county or local emblems. This stance has led to the cessation of flying Ukrainian flags in solidarity – a decision lamented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper criticised the situation, saying, 'Turns out 30p Lee is more like £75k Lee when it comes to spending taxpayers' money.' She suggested that if this reflects their handling of council finances, it explains why Reform UK has barred local journalists from scrutinising them. The brackets installed for the flags are also intended for use in displaying banners about local services and advertising for foster and kinship carers.