Agenda item

Consider report by Depute Chief Executive – Place on proposals with regards to developing a revised Flag protocol for Scottish Borders Council which meets the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and providing a modern approach reflecting today’s society.  (Copy attached.)

There had been circulated copies of a report by the Depute Chief Executive Place presenting a set of proposals for Council to consider with regards to developing a revised Flag protocol for Scottish Borders Council which met the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and provided a modern approach reflecting today’s society.  The report explained that, following a significant number of enquiries and requests to fly alternative flags, the Convener requested that the Chief Executive undertake a review of the current Flag Flying protocol.  A small Working Group of Council Officers, set up to review the current protocol, identified four options available for Members to consider, as detailed in the report. The estimated cost of each option was also provided.  In this regard the Convener advised that the estimated initial cost of Option 3 of £4,000 had been revised to £2,500.  It was noted that the flying of flags was not the subject of statute in England, Wales or Scotland and that in Scotland this was a matter for the Devolved Administration.   Appendices to the report detailed the Council’s current protocol and the Scottish Government Flag Flying Guidance issued in January 2013.  Members discussed at length the four options set out within the report, with the majority favouring either Option 2 or 3.  Option 2 was to modify the current protocol to take account of the guidance and practices from the UK Government and the precedent set by the Scottish Government by adopting a protocol for flying other flags. This would see the flags which promote equality and diversity within the policy.  Option 3 was as Option 2 but with three ground level flagpoles located at the front of Council HQ replacing the single flagpole on the tower of the Council Headquarters to allow additional flags to be flown more regularly.  A further view was expressed by some Members that the European Union flag should be displayed in the Council Chamber with the Union Flag. Councillor Edgar referred to the fact that flag flying could be a divisive issue.  He moved that Option 4 be adopted which was for no flags to be flown on Council buildings.  He pointed out that this was also the most cost effective option.  However his motion was not seconded. 

VOTES

Councillor Moffat and seconded by Councillor Bell moved that, regardless of which option was finally approved, the Flag Flying Policy be amended to include the Gateway Centre, Coldstream as a building on which a flag was flown on a daily basis given that Coldstream was a gateway town for the Scottish Borders.

On a show of hands Members voted on this amendment as follows:

For – 8 votes

Against – 15 votes

The amendment accordingly fell.

Councillor Aitchison, seconded by Councillor Garvie, moved that Option 3 be adopted as recommended in the report.

Councillor Archibald, seconded by Councillor Paterson, moved as an amendment that Option 2 be adopted and that the European Union flag be displayed in the Council Chamber.

On a show of hands Members voted as follows:-

Motion - 16 votes

Amendment – 9 votes

The motion was accordingly carried and Option 3 adopted.

DECISION

DECIDED, subject to a suitable location being agreed, to adopt Option 3 and to:

(a)          amend and update the current protocol to take account of the guidance and practices from the UK Government and the precedent set by the Scottish Government by adopting a protocol for flying other flags; and

(b)          to locate 3 ground level flagpoles at the front of Council Headquarters replacing the single flag flown at the top of the tower.

ADJOURNEMENT

Following the above item the meeting was adjourned until 12.45 pm.

MEMBER

Councillor Greenwell did not return to the meeting.