Ceremonial and Flag Flying
 
DCMS is responsible for issuing the rules for hoisting the Union Flag on Government buildings. There are 19 fixed days each year on which the flag should be flown PDF (47kb). While there is no formal definition of a Government building for this purpose, it is generally accepted to mean a building owned or used by the Crown and predominately occupied or used by Civil Servants or her Majesty's Armed Forces.
 
Individuals, local authorities and other organisations may fly the Union Flag whenever they wish, subject to compliance with any local planning requirement.
 
For further information on the flying of the Union Flag on Government buildings, contact Architecture and Historic Environment Division, telephone 020 7211 2381 or visit the Flag Flying website.

Frequently asked questions about  flag flying.