Rotherham Council has launched a new small grants scheme to help community groups and parish councils install flagpoles and fly national flags on buildings and land they own across the borough.
The scheme offers reimbursements of up to ยฃ500 and is intended to encourage community pride by giving neighbourhood organisations a visible way to display symbols of national identity and heritage within the town.
Eligible applicants can claim funding towards the purchase and installation of a flagpole, along with either a Union flag, a St Georgeโs flag, or both.
The scheme is open to town, parish and community councils, as well as community groups that have a fixed base in Rotherham. Applicants must either own or lease the land or building where the flagpole will be installed.
Groups taking part will be responsible for arranging installation, securing any necessary planning permissions, carrying out safety checks, and covering ongoing maintenance costs. The council has confirmed that grants can only be claimed once the flagpole and flags have been installed, with applications requiring proof of purchase and receipts.
The council said the initiative aims to support community pride and provide visible symbols of unity and civic heritage throughout the borough.
Applications and receipts must be submitted by 30 June 2026, after which claims will be reviewed by the council.
The scheme follows wider debate across Yorkshire last year after flags were removed from several public flagpoles amid concerns they could contribute to community division. However, the council has stressed that the grant programme is focused on celebration and civic identity rather than political expression.
