Policy and procedure on the Flying of the Union Flag at Council Buildings - RNA

Developing a            Policy   ☒          Strategy   ☐           Plan   ☐ 

Adopting a                Policy   ☐          Strategy   ☐           Plan   ☐

Implementing a         Policy   ☐          Strategy   ☐           Plan   ☐ 

Revising a                 Policy   ☐          Strategy   ☐           Plan   ☐ 

Designing a Public Service   ☐ 

Delivering a Public Service   ☐ 

• embodying “the emblems of the constituent nations united under one Sovereign – the Kingdoms of England and Wales, of Scotland and of Northern Ireland”;
• providing clarity and enabling decisions on the flying of flags at the designated buildings and 
• defining a process for designating other buildings.

The policy and relating procedure will impact on individuals from both rural and urban areas who are colleagues, visitors or customers to the Council buildings as they will see the flag on display. Some of the areas identified to fly the Union flag are smaller settlements which would also be considered rural under the definition.  However the viewpoints of individuals living in both rural and urban areas will be considered as part of the overall consultation process. 

The policy and relating procedure will impact on individuals from both rural and urban areas the same, however the viewpoints of individuals living in both rural and urban areas will be considered as part of the overall consultation process which will allow for the identification of additional impacts currently unidentified.

SECTION 3 -
Identifying the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas

Consultation with Rural Stakeholders      ☐            Published Statistics  ☒ 

Consultation with Other Organisations    ☐            Research Papers       ☐

Surveys or Questionnaires                      ☐            Other Publications      ☐  

Other Methods or Information Sources (include details in Question 3C below).  ☒     

• Other Councils policy and processes;
• Good Relations Strategy;
• “Together building a United Community” Strategy May 2013
• Consultation with individuals from both rural and urban areas who are colleagues, visitors or customers to the Council buildings.

Socially individuals from rural areas tend to have to travel longer distances to work, to socialize with friends/work colleagues.  This may mean that they chose a workplace nearer to their home address to meet their economic needs.  In turn as a result of the proposed policy change their place of work may now fly a flag which does not reflect the community background to which they belong and the acceptance of diversity and equality.  There have been no complaints relating to the current provision by rural individuals although due to increased migration to rural areas the composition may have changed over time.

In addition the town halls provide a social function and changes to rural demographics and the impact of this must be determined through consultation.

Therefore it is important that the viewpoints of individuals living in both rural and urban areas will be considered as part of the overall consultation process.

Research by the Economic Development section for its strategy; highlighted that socially individuals in rural areas my feel more isolated, therefore individuals may socialize in their locality or with work colleagues in central locations which in turn may reduce this isolation.  The impact of the proposed change to fly the Union flag at new areas is presently undetermined via direct consultation.  However the viewpoints of individuals living in both rural and urban areas will be considered as part of the overall consultation process. 

There have been no complaints relating to the current provision by rural individuals, however increased migration to rural areas the composition of residents may have changed since the initial policy was introduced. This may be of particular relevance to the additional social function provided by town halls and the possibility of a ‘chill factor’ for rural individuals based on their beliefs.  Therefore ways to mitigate any factors should be identified.

The changing policy’s impact on individuals will be further considered via a consultation process.  
In addition the final policy will be developed in light of research, good practice guidelines and information from:

• Other Councils policy and processes;
• Good Relations Strategy;
• “Together building a United Community” Strategy May 2013
• Consultation with individuals from both rural and urban areas who are colleagues, visitors or customers to the Council buildings.